What To Know Before You Buy Your Next Residential Gate Opener

Whether you need to update an aging system or you want to try something new, now is a good time to buy a residential gate opener. With tech improvements that are smarter and system operating specs that are optimized, a new gate opener can offer a more reliable and efficient tool to access your property. So if you're ready to invest in a new residential gate opener, here's what you need to know before you buy.

Openers By Type

Gate openers are selected by the style and size of gate you have, or want to have if you're looking to make an upgrade to the fencing there too. Single and double options are available in both swing and slide-operating units. Openers should also be selected based on the frequency that you anticipate cycling, or opening and closing. Even if you're replacing an old system you should still expect to purchase it not online, but through a dealer that will make the installation, because installing even a replacement can pose unnecessary hazards to a do-it-yourselfer.

Extras You'll Want

Solar is an option you should definitely know about, because you may be able to get tax credits, and it works well for either back-up or if you're gate isn't near electricity. If solar isn't possible for your home, you should still consider a battery back-up system that can power your gate through multiple cycles during severe weather and power outages.

Smart technology is another optional extra you should definitely look into including on your residential gate opener. Smart options allow multiple users to connect to an encrypted system on cell phones, notebooks, or computers, so your system can be operated remotely. This allows any user to open the gate whether they're inside the house or far away on vacation. And even if you opt for smart technology upgrade, your next residential gate opener can still include standard keypad and remote controls too.

Beyond an opener, actuator, and accessory controls, you may also want to consider investing in a system that uses advanced sensors, like ones that are dual-sided and infrared, as they can equip your opener with maximum safety and efficiency in deciding when to open and close. Advanced sensors aren't buried, but above ground, and they "read" when a car is approaching and when it's leaving the property. So your gate isn't left open unnecessarily long that it leaves your property unsecured, or too little that it causes damage to the vehicle.