When considering your home’s overall value and potential improvements – don’t forget your garage door. Industry research shows that a garage door replacement or upgrade is a smart investment. An automatic garage door, a custom garage door, and today’s “green” garage doors are excellent ways to boost curb appeal while also increasing home safety and energy efficiency.

Garage Door Upgrades Impact Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a critical factor of every home. Often, an attached garage takes up nearly fifty percent of a home’s façade, and as such, greatly affects the overall visual impact of the home. Whether you’re considering a move, a refinance, or simply want the nicest looking house on the block, exterior upgrades such as a custom garage door and/or a new automatic garage door have been shown to increase curb appeal and a home’s overall market value. Whether your home is traditional, modern or transitional, there is a garage door available to suit your style and budget. And, by adding custom windows and other garage door accessories, you can personalize your garage door to suit not only your home, but your own personal style.

Increasing Home Safety with an Automatic Garage Door

“Tech-up the garage” is one of REALTOR.com’s top ten “Low Cost High Impact” home improvements for 2009, indicating that upgrading your garage door is a sure hit in the cost vs. value equation. Not only does upgrading to an automatic door with an automatic garage door opener or wireless keypad system assure you a return on your investment, it increases the safety profile of your home for you and your family. Unlike traditional, non-automatic garage doors, all residential automatic garage doors sold in the United States since 1993 are required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission to be outfitted with an external entrapment protection system. This system can be an electric eye, a door edge sensor or any other device that provides protection from any individual or object being trapped beneath a closing garage door, as the door automatically reverses. Along with these numerous safety design features, the wireless keypad systems now available on most doors help to keep your family safe by allowing access to the home even when a family member loses or forgets their keys.

“Green” Garage Door Installation for Increased Energy Efficiency

As the largest moving part on a home, your garage door plays an important role in maintaining its energy efficiency – a critical factor in “green building” and sustainable architectural design. Seasonally, your garage door either helps you keep the heat in or keep the cool in, which means having the right garage door can determine your heating and cooling budget. By upgrading to an energy-efficient, insulated garage door with a life expectancy of nearly twenty years, you are lowering your household’s carbon footprint substantially. If your garage is attached to your home, you will also find that upgrading to an insulated garage door will have such a significant impact that the Internal Revenue Service has declared certain models eligible for an energy savings tax credit under the Energy Tax Incentives Act.

So, as a homeowner, if you are considering making any improvements this year, remember that for increased curb appeal, safety, and adding some “green” to your home and your pocketbook, don’t forget your garage door!

Cathy Wempe of AE Door, a Cincinnati-based residential and commercial garage door retailer. For 30 years, AE Door has been an industry leader in entry and storm doors, commercial garage doors openers and windows.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/Why-Upgrade-Your-Home’s-Garage-Door?/1391338

Commercial or DIY(Do It Yourself)

Sounds simple, but what we are really talking about is quality. If you are looking for a long lasting garage door opener you immediately limit your choices in Sacramento. Why? Because you are not going to find one at your local hardware or big box store.

Sure there are great DIY models available, and frankly, most garage door companies will tell you either to pick one up at Home Depot or Lowes and they will install it. Or, they’ll just go ahead and purchase one from one of these stores and install it for you.

Abel Garage Door is different! We only sell commercial grade, professional quality garage door openers. Why? Because we back all of our work and we hate call backs. If you’re on a tight budget, we will help you to select the best value garage door opener from one of the big box stores and we will install it for you, while saving you money.

Here are a couple of things to look for when shopping for a garage door opener:

Quiet Functions
Chain-driven openers make more noise than the belt-driven ones. Since you are already willing to invest in this technology, why not go all out and go for belt-driven ones. The price difference is not really that great. Also, there are some integrated with durable belts to help it function for long years.

Can Detect Obstruction
It depends on how it can do it but it basically needs to detect if it is about to crash into something. Garage doors are heavy so it can cause problems and mishaps when it does not have a sensor. Companies use light beams to detect if something is obstructing its way and immediately opens up again.

½ Horsepower Or More
This motor power can typically hold average garage doors. Some still need to have a separate tool kit in order for it to work seamlessly on heavier doors. But basically, one integrated with this horsepower is already ideal as it is.

Keyless Wireless Pad
If you want total convenience, you have to get one with a keyless wireless pad. The good news is, there are lots of companies that offer wireless pads that can receive transmission from your garage even if it is made by a different manufacturing company.

Pick someone that is keyless and can let you change your code frequently so there would be no problem with radio scanner interference that may leak your code to burglars.

And if you need our input, feel free to give us a call, or send us an email, and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

The PD432D Premium Power Drive® 1/2 HP screw drive garage door opener is smooth-running, even in the most extreme temperatures. Its enclosed drive screw makes it completely maintenance-free – there is no metal-to-metal contact for smoother, quieter operation. The rail is also self-lubricating for maintenance-free operation and years of extended use.

• Rugged all-steel chassis
• Delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes two single-button remote controls and a multi-function control panel

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• 6-year motor warranty

The CG40D 1/2 HP Chain Drive is steady and reliable. Its durable 1/2 HP motor and chain drive provide continual steady performance.

• 1/2 HP motor with industrial-strength, rugged chain drive
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 75 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes one single-button remote control and an illuminated door control button

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• 4-year motor warranty

You’ll get reliability and enhanced style with the PD210 Power Drive® 1/2 HP Chain Drive garage door opener. It delivers smooth, steady performance year after year with its 1/2 HP motor and industrial-strength chain drive.

• 1/2 HP motor with industrial-strength, rugged chain drive
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 100 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes one single-button remote control and a multi-function control panel

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• 6-year motor warranty

Rugged, reliable performance is what you’ll get with the PD212D Power Drive® 1/2 HP Chain Drive garage door opener. It has a durable 1/2 HP motor and an industrial-strength chain drive, making it deliver smooth, steady performance and lifting power.

• 1/2 HP motor with industrial-strength, rugged chain drive
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 100 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes two single-button remote controls and a multi-function control panel

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• 6-year motor warranty

The PD610D Power Drive® 1/2 HP Chain Drive garage door opener delivers exceptional, all-around performance. Its durable 1/2 HP motor is combined with an industrial-strength chain drive to provide smooth, steady performance and lifting power year after year.

• 1/2 HP motor with industrial-strength, rugged chain drive
• Durable steel construction for years of dependable operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• Lifetime motor warranty

If you’ve got carriage house or solid wood garage doors, you’ll need a dependable, heavy-duty garage door opener to lift them. Our Power Drive® 3/4 HP Chain Drive garage door opener is the perfect solution. Its finely-tuned, yet ruggedly designed 3/4 HP motor, combined with our patented Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®), provides the precise synergy needed to open heavy garage doors quickly and quietly.

• 3/4 HP motor with industrial-strength, rugged chain drive
• Ultra-quiet operation featuring our exclusive Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®)
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes two 3-button remote controls

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• Lifetime motor warranty

The Chamberlain® Whisper Drive® 1/2 HP Belt Drive garage door opener is the ultimate in quiet performance. It features our exclusive Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®) – which eliminates powerhead vibration for reduced noise – making it the ideal choice if you have rooms positioned above the garage. And the 1/2 HP heavy-duty motor offers steady performance and lifting power year after year.

• 1/2 HP belt drive system for the ultimate in quiet performance
• Ultra-quiet operation featuring our exclusive Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®)
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes two 3-button remote controls

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• The Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• Lifetime motor warranty
• 10-year belt warranty

Now when the power goes out, your garage door opener will still work. The Chamberlain® Premium Whisper Drive® Plus with EverCharge® Standby Power System will operate the garage door opener for 20 cycles within a 24-hour period, and recharges automatically when the power comes back on. The safety and security features will continue to operate as well, ensuring your family is protected in a power failure. The opener also features smooth start and smooth stop to reduce the noise of the garage door as it opens and closes – perfect for homes with a room above the garage.

* horsepower strength with same lifting force specifications as 3/4 HP Chamberlain garage door openers

• 3/4 HPS®* DC belt drive system for the ultimate in quiet performance
• Belt is built like a steel-belted tire, reinforced with flexible steel cords
• Auto force-sensing technology constantly monitors garage door opener system and adjusts forces to temperature fluctuations, floor height, and door track movement
• Enclosed gear case provides continuous lubrication and protection for longer life and smoother operation
• Quick-install rail system provides faster and easier installation – assembles in 60 seconds
• Delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay
• HomeLink® compatible – the in-vehicle remote control system
• Includes two 3-button remote controls

SAFETY & SECURITY FEATURES

• Protector System® safety sensors with Rapid-Snap® brackets project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening and automatically reverse the door if anything interrupts the beam while the door is going down
• Sensing technology will stop the door from closing if contact is made with a person or object
• Opener lights turn on automatically when The Protector System’s infrared beam is broken
• Security+® anti-burglary technology assures a new code is sent every time the remote control is used
• PosiLock® theft protection assures that once the door is closed, it stays locked
• Manual release handle in case of power failure

WARRANTY

• Lifetime motor warranty
• 10-year belt warranty
• 1-year warranty on EverCharge® Standby Power System