With so much of our lives now operating at the speed of convenience, having a home outfitted with smart devices to make your life easier is a must. That is why, when it comes to your garage door, the level of smart capability should be no different. Considered the “new front door,” garage doors have become the primary home entrance for most Americans. Because of this, remote operating and garage door monitoring are important parts of modern garage door opener systems. Below, we will outline what a smart garage door is, options for installation in your home, and conclude with whether or not a smart system is worth it.
What Is a Smart Garage Door?
Manufacturers outfit smart garage door systems so they can be operated remotely from a smartphone app. Either with built-in WiFi or a separate internet gateway, your garage door opener can connect to any smart device. So, with the iOS or Android app related to your smart opener, you can access your garage door from anywhere. This means remote opening and closing, monitoring of your garage door’s status, and a log of activity. So you never have to worry about accidentally leaving open the garage door or changing out the visor remote batteries again. A new smart system, fitted with a wireless garage door monitor, will upgrade your entire home.
Smart Garage Door Openers
For the convenience, security, and safety of your home, you should consider a new smart opener or accessory. There are a broad range of options to upgrade any garage door system either with a new opener or an attachment that allows for smartphone access.
Openers
If you choose to upgrade your garage door system with a new opener, there are plenty of smart options available. These smart openers come with built-in WiFi, enabling you to control and monitor your garage door with minimal set-up. Most manufacturers also outfit their smart openers with other safety and security attachments. These includes built-in video cameras, LED lights, and smart home integration. With so many choices available, you can upgrade your garage door with any smart devices you choose.
Our two favorite brands for smart garage door openers are LiftMaster and Genie. Both of these manufacturers offer several great options for smart openers and smart accessories.
LiftMaster
LiftMaster is widely accepted as one of the best manufacturers of garage door openers. Their wide range of products from side mount to belt drive openers all operate with maximum lifting power and come with a great warranty. Their openers and accessories operate with myQ Connectivity through the free myQ iOS or Android app. The LiftMaster myQ setup is also streamlined to make it simple and quick for any homeowner. For smart openers, three of their products stand out for their durability, quiet operation, and accessories. These are the WLED, 8500W, and 85503.
WLED – The WLED is LiftMaster’s brightest opener with 3,100 lumens of built-in LED lights. It is also a belt drive opener which ensures quiet operation and a durable structure. Best of all, it comes with built-in WiFi to easily connect with the myQ app.
8500W – The 8500W is a side mount opener installed on the wall beside your garage door. This means the opener connects directly to the garage door springs, creating minimal vibrations and sound. With the myQ app, you can also connect to its built-in WiFi and monitor your garage door from anywhere.
85503 – The 85503 opener is belt drive, installed overhead. However, it maintains a quiet operation and comes standard with built-in WiFi and the myQ app. But the best part of this opener is the integrated video camera. This allows you to visually monitor your garage door through live and recorded footage from any smart device.
LiftMaster WLED
85503
LiftMaster 8500W
Genie
Genie is also an excellent brand for reliable and affordable garage door openers. Their line of smart garage door openers offers some of the best accessories and adaptability on the market. With their Aladdin Connect smart service, your smart phone can connect to your opener from anywhere. Genie smart openers also come standard with smart home compatibility so you can communicate with Alexa or Google Assistant through your opener. Their stand-out products include the 6170 and 4164.
6170 Side Mount Opener – The 6170 is an excellent option for side mount openers because of its quiet operation and strong motor force. The built-in WiFi paired with smart home services also make it incredibly convenient to use. With this smart opener, you can ask questions to Google Assistant or Alexa in your garage and also operate it from anywhere with your smartphone.
4164 Screw Drive Opener – As a screw drive opener, the 4164 is popular for its quick operating speed. This allows you to get in and out of your garage in record time, adding to the convenience of your garage. It also comes standard with integrated Aladdin Connect, creating even more ease for operating your garage door.
Genie 6170 Side Mount Opener
Genie 4164 Screw Drive Opener
Accessories
If your current garage door opener is only a few years old or you don’t want to commit to a new smart opener, there are smart accessories to upgrade your system. These wireless gateways will allow you to have internet garage door opener access from your smart device. Both LiftMaster and Genie have internet gateways that can pair with most of their available opener types.
LiftMaster 828 LM
This LiftMaster myQ gateway allows you to create an internet gateway for your garage door opener. With this device attached to your current garage door opener, you will have smart control capabilities.
LiftMaster 821LMB Hub
This smart home hub allows you to pair any smart device with your garage door opener. You can then operate the door, keep a log of activity, and set up an open and close schedule.
Genie Aladdin Connect Garage Door Controller
Add the Aladdin Connect Garage Door Controller to your Genie opener for smartphone control from anywhere. This includes remote open and close as well as a stored log of garage door activity.
Is a Smart Garage Door Worth It?
With all these great options for new smart openers and accessories to upgrade your current opener, there’s no reason not to make your garage door smarter. For an affordable price and easy set up, you can operate your garage door with a higher level of convenience while also doing more make your garage safe and secure. So yes, we do think a smart garage door is worth the upgrade to increase the ease of your life and the value of your home.
To learn more about how to make your garage door smarter, contact Sunwest Garage Door today! We can guide you through all your smart opener and accessory options. We also offer garage door installation and repair to the Anaheim Hills, CA area.