Energy Efficiency and Your Garage Door Opener: What You Didn’t Know

When it comes to energy efficiency in the home, garage door openers don’t typically cut. But as homeowners seek to save on electricity bills and become more environmentally friendly, the garage holds significant potential. Your garage door opener, since it’s so small, might not seem like it can make a big dent in either your utilities or your home’s efficiency overall.

At Durham Garage Door Guys, we’re debunking what very few people realize about energy usage in garage door openers—and how to remedy it.

1. Standby Power Consumption Adds Up

The majority of garage door openers use electricity even when not in operation. This is called standby power, and it can silently inflate your electric bill each month.

Did you know?

Older models can pull 5 to 10 watts of standby power 24/7, which equates to $15 to $30 a year in wasted power for each one. One should also note here that modern openers are in touch with the ecology and thus are power-consuming at a significantly lower rate, usually less than a watt.

2. DC Motors Are More Efficient Than AC

Several modern garage door openers operate using DC (direct current) motors instead of AC (alternating current) motors. DC motors:

• Use less electricity
• Are typically quieter
• Provide the option for soft start/stop (which decreases wear and tear)

If energy conservation and lasting performance are what you’re interested in, opt for a DC-powered unit.

3. LED Lighting vs. Incandescent Bulbs

There are still some garage door openers that have incandescent lighting. These are not only old-school, but also not nearly as energy-efficient as LED lights.

Pro tip:

Upgrade to one of those openers that has built-in LED lighting — they consume less power, outlast bulbs, and run cooler.

4. Smart Features Can Save Energy

Smart garage door openers enable you to check and close your garage door remotely. This is not only convenient, but also good for saving energy.

Examples include:

• Closing the garage door remotely when accidentally left open (less heat/cooling loss)
• Scheduling auto-close functions
• Integrating with home energy systems

Assuming your garage is insulated, closing the door is very important — particularly in inclement weather.

5. Battery Backup Adds Reliability, Not Waste

Many contemporary openers have battery backup systems. And while some people surmise that promoting this feature will result in greater energy consumption that is not the case. They are powered by low power, remain charged, and are activated only during a blackout.

They also make it possible to use the door safely without manual lifting—critical in a storm or other hazardous situation.

Final Thoughts

Sure, a garage door opener might not require much energy, but these small retrofits can add up over time. Purchasing an energy-efficient model can minimize your carbon footprint, save you money on energy costs and even extend the life of your garage door.

Here at Durham Garage Door Guys, we offer a range of energy-efficient garage door openers that combine a smooth and silent operation with quality and the latest technology.

Contact us today to find out more or to schedule an upgrade — you might be shocked to see how much you can save!