⏱ 4 minute read
If you live in one of the roughly two-thirds of U.S. homes that have a garage, you probably have some type of garage door opener. A much smaller percentage – only 7 to 9% of US households – have a smart garage door opener, though as many as 20% of people who own a smart garage door opener don’t actually use the full potential of the “smart” functionalities. Whether you’re a smart home enthusiast looking for your next upgrade or just curious about smart garage door openers, we’re here to make sure you have the knowledge you need to choose the right one for your home.
So what are smart garage door openers and what do they do that’s different from a regular one? Smart garage door openers give you more control and offer more advanced functionality than traditional garage openers. They enable remote control via smartphone apps, facilitated by a connection to Wi-Fi or Matter protocols.
This means you can monitor door status and securely operate the mechanism from any location, enhancing both security and peace of mind. Ever get to the office only to realize you probably left your garage door wide open? Well, with a smart garage door controller you can easily check when you’re away from home and close it if needed.
The answer is – yes and no. If you have an existing motorized garage door opener system, you can purchase add-ons or accessories that mimic some smart functionalities, but you will need multiple to create a full smart garage door system. For example, you can get sensors that go in your car to open your garage door automatically based on proximity and a separate sensor that allows you to connect it to your smart phone, remotely control via Wi-Fi or smart home integration, share access, and other smart features.
You can also purchase retrofit kits from Amazon and other retailers that bundle the accessories that allow you to upgrade your garage opener. However, making your existing garage door smart with a retrofit kit will require compatibility between the kit and your opener, and some elbow grease as you will typically need to hardwire it in. If this feels too daunting, you could convince a garage door company to come install it for you for, likely, a simple service fee.
If your existing motorized opener was manufactured in or before 1993, it’s likely too old to be compatible with a retrofit kit or add-ons. In this case, you will need to replace it with a smart garage door opener, like one from Chamberlain, to gain smart features.
Smart phone compatibility/control it from an app
Smart home integrations with SmartThings, Alexa, and more
Real-time monitoring
Remote control and operation of the door
Automatic and programmable closing and opening
Automatic power backup via battery
Programmable lights
Integration with other smart devices like locks to keep your garage door secure, security cameras like Google Nest, smoke detectors, and temperature control devices
Like most smart home devices, whether or not you will benefit from a smart garage door opener depends on you! Some people find it worthwhile just for the peace of mind knowing you can always check if your garage door is closed (Though Google Nest cameras now offer garage door detection, so you can see whenever your garage door opens, closes, or is left open without investing in a smart garage opener). Others enjoy the added security and access control. Others don’t find the need for such features and are perfectly happy with a regular garage door remote.
Now that you're familiar with the features and benefits of smart garage door controllers, it's time to decide if you want to upgrade your existing garage door opener or replace it entirely.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're still unsure which option is right for you, consult with a professional garage door installer for expert advice.
