If you’re on the fence about upgrading to an automated garage door system, this post is for you. We’ve been debating the same thing lately, so let’s walk through the pros and cons together. Are automated garage doors from authentic sellers like Steel-Line really worth the investment?
For starters, upgrading from a manual to automated opener costs $500 on average. That’s not pocket change. But automating this frequently used feature also comes with some great perks. Let’s weigh both sides to help decide if it’s a smart upgrade.
Convenience
Hands down, thenumber one benefit of automating your garage door is sheer convenience. No more fumbling to manually lift that heavy door after an armful of groceries. My neighbor Chris installed an automated opener last year and says it’s easily his favorite home upgrade. Coming and going is totally hands-free now with just a button press. Between carrying kids and bulky gear for activities all day, automated operation is a game changer. The convenience factor alone may be worth the cost.
Time Savings
Along with convenience comes serious time savings not having to manually open and close the door every time. We timed ourselves and it takes at least 10 seconds round trip. That may not seem like much, but it adds up fast. Over a year, that’s hours of time freed up. Automatic openers also mean you don’t have to sit in the car waiting for your garage door to fully open before pulling in. I probably waste 5 minutes a week waiting.
Safety and Security
There’s also a safety aspect to automatic openers we hadn’t considered. Having to manually lift a heavy door can lead to injuries over time from strain. Automating operation not only prevents injury but also improves household security. Many modern versions have secure encryption to thwart hacking attempts. Some even alert you if the door is open for too long. The latest openers have sensors to reverse if obstructed. Key safety features provide peace of mind.
Smart Home Integration
If you have other smart home devices already, automated garage doors can integrate seamlessly thanks to wifi connectivity. Control your door from an app or voice assistant like Alexa. Check the status and receive notifications. Set schedules and rules for auto open/close. Pretty snazzy.
Energy Efficiency
Surprisingly, smart garage doors can help reduce energy bills too. How? Many automatically close after a set time if you forget, preventing the garage from heating up or cooling off.
This helps insulation work better and reduces load on your HVAC system. Every bit counts when it comes to energy savings.
Curb Appeal
This is less practical, but automatic garage doors also boost curb appeal simply by looking more updated and sleek. The shiny new door and modern opener system instantly help your home look fresh and current compared to old manaul doors. Curb appeal impacts resale value down the road.
Potential Drawbacks
Of course, there are also some potential downsides to weigh:
- Costs – $500 minimum for parts and professional installation
- Minor noise – quiet hum when opening/closing
- Remembering to close it – smart features help here
- Power outages make it inoperable until electricity restored
- Small ongoing maintenance like lubrication
For most homeowners, the convenience seems to outweigh the negatives. But consider your specific needs.
The Bottom Line
Overall, we have to admit the benefits of upgrading to an automated garage door seem worth the investment for busy households. The sheer convenience factor and time savings appeal to my hectic schedule. Safety and security features provide peace of mind too. We think for most families, the upgrade cost will easily pay for itself in time savings, convenience and injury prevention. Just make sure to hire a reputable installer. A working smart garage door will quickly feel like an indispensable upgrade.