AC vs. DC Garage Door Opener Motors

Garage door openers have two power options — alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC currents are strong and can change direction, and DC currents flow in one direction and can be stored. Though AC and DC garage door motors both convert electricity into motion to open and close the garage door, the way they do it differs. Know the features and benefits of each garage door opener type so you can decide which kind your garage needs.

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AC Garage Door Opener

AC motors are the original garage door opener solution and have been in the industry longer than DC motors. AC motors have a lot of components in their large chassis, including a rotor and stator. In an AC garage door opener, the energy comes from the coils wrapped around the output shaft, which generate magnetic fields. Transformers control the direction and power of the current, which is what opens and closes the garage door.

AC garage door motors usually have a chain drive, which can wear out due to friction over time. Still, these motors have a durable build and few maintenance requirements.

Typical AC garage door opener features include:

Basic functionality: These openers have simple mechanics that focus on reliability and straightforward operation. They generally don’t come with battery backups and other advanced technology.
Higher lifting capacity: AC motors offer rugged construction and longevity. They can handle frequent use and are less susceptible to wear — even when lifting heavier doors.
Cost-effectiveness: AC openers generally cost less upfront than DC alternatives. They’re a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking for a basic solution.

DC Garage Door Opener

DC garage door openers entered the market as an alternative to AC motors. DC motors have shafts, bearings, gears and a gearbox in a small, lightweight chassis. The power comes from a generated source of power that provides constant voltage, like batteries. An electronic circuit board controls the amount of power the motor gets. This configuration gives you better control of speed variation, control and torque.

DC motors have a long-lasting brushless design that reduces noise during operation. These openers are also most likely to have a belt drive, which offers smoother performance and less wear compared to models with chain drives.

Other standout features of garage door openers with DC motors include:

Soft opening and closing: The electronic circuit board and variable speed enable gradual opening and closing that reduces wear on the door.
Battery backup: Many DC openers come with battery backup options to offer power and peace of mind during outages.
Smart technology integration: DC openers are often compatible with smart home systems for remote control and monitoring.
Energy-saving modes: These openers minimize energy consumption when they’re not in use, which means they can provide long-term savings.

AC vs. DC Garage Door Opener Differences

Both types of garage door openers have pros and cons. Their primary differences lie in their:

Noise levels: DC openers have the advantage in this category. Their brushless motors operate quietly with minimal vibration, while AC openers have mechanical components that produce more noise during operation.
Energy efficiency: DC openers are also more efficient because they use less power and adjust their speed based on the weight of the load. Energy consumption is lower as a result. In contrast, AC openers run at a constant speed and use the same energy no matter the load.
Control: DC openers often come with advanced control systems that allow for smoother operation and precise stopping. AC models tend to have simpler control mechanisms.
Smoothness: Since DC garage door openers have variable speed options, they allow for smoother starts and stops compared to the fixed speed of AC openers.

Should You Buy an AC or DC Garage Door Motor?

Consider the unique features of each motor to decide whether you want an AC or DC garage door opener and which best fits your needs. Essential considerations include:

Technology: If you want to use new technology, like an app on your phone to control the garage door, you need a DC garage door opener. These types of motors are modifiable to suit these components.
Power: Both DC and AC garage door openers offer sufficient horsepower to operate residential garage doors. If you think your garage door needs more power, AC motors have a stronger power current.
Brand: You may want to stick to what you know and buy a brand you’ve used before. Look at the models your preferred brand offers, and buy a garage door motor with the specifications you need.
Security: Garage door automation technology includes keyless entry, programmable settings and app-controlled features, so you can monitor and control your garage door no matter where you are. These features are more compatible with DC garage door openers.

Shop Garage Door Openers at Consolidated Garage Doors

If it’s time to buy a new garage door opener for your home, come to Consolidated Garage Doors. Since 1976, we’ve offered SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS for homeowners in St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva and surrounding areas. As an Authorized Dealer for LiftMaster®, we can help you find top-quality garage door openers with the features you want. Browse our residential garage door openers and contact us today.

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Broken Garage Door Spring: What to Do

Are you having trouble opening or closing your garage door? This potentially dangerous situation often indicates a broken spring. Instead of attempting to fix it yourself, contact Consolidated Garage Doors for help.

How Do Garage Door Springs Work?

Garage door springs are metal coils that raise and lower the door. Two types of springs exist — torsion springs, which span the width of the door, and extension springs, which extend along the tracks on the door’s sides.

Torsion springs hold tension in their coil, which helps to keep the door in place when closed and lift it during opening. As a garage door opens, the torsion springs unwind. As the door closes, the springs wind up again.

Extension springs contract as the door opens, using tension to pull it up. They also rely on a system of pulleys and cables to raise and lower a door. Extension springs are more common on older garage doors, while tension springs are more common on newer models.

What Causes a Broken Garage Door Spring?

Garage doors are heavy, and most get used at least daily, if not several times a day. Frequent opening and closing causes the springs to wear out as they approach 10,000 cycles — with one cycle representing one opening and closing. Haphazard maintenance practices make them more likely to wear out and break.

What to Do If a Spring Breaks on Your Garage Door

Replacing a broken garage door spring is not a do-it-yourself job for several reasons, including your garage door’s weight and the high tension applied to the springs. Attempting to fix the springs on your own carries an increased risk of injury.

Consolidated Garage Doors offers garage door spring replacement in the Chicagoland area. We can quickly fix your problem and provide maintenance advice to extend your new spring’s life.

How to Open a Garage Door With a Broken Spring

You should not use your garage when your garage door spring is broken because the door is too heavy to lift and lower safely without the spring to support it. A spring replacement will return your garage door to normal operation as soon as possible.

Replace a Broken Garage Door Spring With Consolidated Garage Doors

Contact us if your garage door spring is broken. We’ll send a technician to inspect and replace it if necessary. We’ve provided Chicagoland with SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES, and SOLID PRODUCTS since 1976^® and look forward to making you a lifelong customer.

What to Look for in a Garage Door Company

Is it time to repair or replace your home’s garage door? When choosing a garage door company, turn to Consolidated Garage Doors to handle your project quickly, efficiently and affordably to keep your home in good condition.

How to Find a Reliable Garage Door Company

One of our best tips for hiring a garage door company is to look for qualities like these.

Reputation

When you seek garage door repairs and replacements, you want a company with a long track record of successful projects for customers. We have built a reputation throughout Northern Illinois for quality work and excellent service.

Quality

Quality matters because you want a garage door that functions reliably for a long time and upgrades the look of your home. Choose Consolidated Garage Doors for high-quality garage doors and garage door openers. We are the longest-running Clopay^® Master Authorized Dealer^® and a Authorized Dealer for LiftMaster^® openers. These distinctions prove our ability to install and maintain an appealing and long-lasting garage door system for your home.

Experience

At Consolidated Garage Doors, we have over 240 years of combined garage door experience. We know every detail about garage door repair and replacement and leverage our knowledge to provide expert services.

Beyond having extensive experience, contractors should have proper insurance. At Consolidated Garage Doors, we carry sufficient liability insurance to cover your claims if an incident occurs.

Available Services

Not every garage door company offers the same services. Our team can handle various types of repair and installation tasks to meet all your needs. We even provide preventive maintenance to keep your door in peak condition and reduce the likelihood of future repairs.

Credentials and Testimonials

A reputable garage door company will have the appropriate certifications and designations that verify its professionalism, training, quality and commitment to service. We also have memberships in industry trade organizations and local business associations, including the International Door Association and the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association.

We also demonstrate our reputation through positive testimonials. Our customers appreciate our personable service, neat work and timely completion of garage door jobs.

Warranties

The best garage door companies offer warranties to safeguard your investments. As a Clopay and LiftMaster dealer, we offer both a manufacturers warranty as well as our labor warranty.

Contact Consolidated Garage Doors for Help

Do you have questions about how to pick a garage door company in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles or the surrounding areas? Consolidated Garage Doors has been SOLID since 1976^®. Check out our credentials and contact us to learn more today.

Reasons You Need a New Garage Door Opener

Replace a worn or broken garage door opener with a LiftMaster opener from Consolidated Garage Doors to ensure your garage’s safety, security and convenience. At Consolidated Garage Doors, we provide high-quality garage door openers that offer reliable, durable and advanced features.

The garage door opener industry has seen significant advancement in recent years, particularly with DC-powered openers. By using DC power, garage doors are more efficient and provide quieter operation compared to traditional AC-powered motors. We offer a range of DC-powered garage door openers ideal for residential use.

Do You Need a New Garage Door Opener?

Functionality, convenience and security are essential for your garage door, and the opener makes those things possible. Below is a list of important reasons to replace your old garage door opener:

Security: Older garage door openers may not have the latest security features, such as a camera and the myQ phone app.
Noise: Older garage door openers may make loud, annoying noises during operation.
Malfunctions: If your current garage door opener fails to open and close the door properly, it is time for a replacement.
Updated technology: Your garage door opener may not be compatible with the latest home automation and smart home technologies.
Energy efficiency: Outdated openers may use more energy than necessary, resulting in higher electricity bills.
Safety features: Modern garage door openers have safety features that ensure the door stops or reverses if it encounters an obstruction while closing. Some older models may not have all the features you desire.

LiftMaster® Garage Door Openers

LiftMaster is the superior garage door opener brand. These openers offer quality performance due to innovative technology. They are designed to gradually slow down in the first and last 6 inches of travel to minimize wear and tear on the door frame. This feature ensures the door operates smoothly and quietly, making this brand an ideal solution for your home.

LED Lighting System

The LED lighting system is an important advantage, as it provides illumination inside your garage, making it easier to see and work. LEDs also use less energy compared to traditional light bulbs, that may save money on your electric bill.

Battery Backup

Another essential feature of LiftMaster openers is their battery backup, as it ensures your garage door opener can continue operating during a power outage.

Camera Technology

Advanced camera technology provides an added layer of security. This feature allows you to remotely monitor who is entering and leaving your garage.

Contact Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. for a New Opener

Enjoy SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS when you work with us. Get an estimate from us for a safer and more convenient garage door opener.

How Often Should You Get Your Garage Door Serviced?

Regular maintenance of your garage door can prolong its life span and ensure it continues operating smoothly and safely. A well-maintained garage door is less likely to break down unexpectedly, reducing repair costs and preventing inconvenient disruptions to your daily routine.

What Should Garage Door Maintenance Include?

The general recommendation is to have your garage door serviced at least once a year by a professional garage door technician. During the annual service, your technician will inspect and test all the components of your garage door and opener, including the springs, cables, rollers, hinges, tracks and safety sensors. Expert technicians from Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd., will identify any signs of wear and tear, damage or misalignment and make any needed adjustments or repairs to ensure your door operates safely, smoothly and quietly.

It’s essential to pay attention to any signs that your garage door is making unusual noises or not operating correctly. These could indicate that the door requires servicing sooner than the recommended annual interval.

Signs You Should Get Your Garage Door Serviced

Regular servicing of your garage door is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient and long-lasting operation. Failing to maintain your garage door can lead to various issues. Here are some signs that your garage door requires servicing:

Slow or uneven operation: If your garage door is taking longer than usual to open or close or moving in a jerky or uneven manner, these issues could come from the springs, cables or rollers.
Excessive noise: Garage doors can produce some noise during operation, but if the noise becomes louder than usual or includes grinding, scraping or rattling sounds, it could be a sign of worn or damaged components. Our technicians can identify the source of the noise and make any necessary repairs.
Door sticking or jamming: If your garage door is sticking or jamming during operation, it could be due to misaligned tracks, broken rollers or hinges.
Safety or sensor issues: Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if there is an obstacle in the way. If these fail to work, this can be a safety hazard.
Damaged components: Over time, your garage door’s components can wear out or become damaged, leading to reduced performance and increased risk of breakdowns.

Contact Us Today for Garage Door Service and Repairs

Trust us to fix a range of residential garage door issues and provide preventive maintenance. Get in touch with us today for expert garage door service.

9 Tips for Buying Your New Garage Door

Buying a new garage door is a significant investment, so it’s essential to make an informed decision based on your needs and budget. Some general considerations are to look for a door that’s durable, energy-efficient, secure and installed by a reputable dealer or technician.

Before purchasing a new garage door, consider these 10 garage door buying tips to make a confident decision:

1. Material

Garage doors can be made from various materials, such as steel, wood or vinyl. Each has its benefits and considerations regarding durability, appearance and maintenance requirements, so be sure to research.

2. Style

Garage doors come in different styles, such as traditional, modern, carriage house and modern/contemporary. Consider your home’s architectural style and choose a door that complements it.

3. Insulation

Insulated garage doors can save energy and improve your garage’s comfort level during all four seasons. Consider the door insulation’s R-value and select a model that meets your needs.

4. Durability Features

A high-quality garage door should withstand daily use and varying weather conditions. Look for features such as galvanized hardware and tracks, nylon rollers, and torsion springs.

5. Budget

How much you’ll spend on your new garage door can vary depending on factors such as the size, material, style and insulation value. Cost will vary based upon your selections.

6. Accurate Measurements

To get an estimate for a new garage door, it’s crucial to get accurate measurements of your existing garage door.

7. Brand and Warranty

Clopay® Has some of the best warranties in the industry.

8. Security

The most secure garage door is a closed garage door.

9. Reputable Dealer

The quality of the garage door installation can significantly affect the door’s performance and life span. Make sure you select a reputable dealer with experience and expertise in garage door installation who provides excellent customer support for the lifetime of your door.

Contact Us for a New Residential Garage Door

Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. provides you with SOLID service to help you find the perfect garage door. Get in touch with us for a new door and professional installation that will provide you with peace of mind.

Signs Your Garage Door Needs Maintenance

As a homeowner, it’s easy to take for granted that your garage door functions properly. However, like most mechanical objects, a garage door requires regular service to keep it in peak operating condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially as it ages. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for indications that your garage door needs maintenance.

1. Excessive or Unusual Noises

While all garage doors make noise while operating, some sounds can indicate potential repair or maintenance issues. For example, a grating or rumbling racket during opening or closing often identifies faulty or failing springs. Other troublesome sounds include popping, squeaking and rustling.

2. Door Won’t Open or Close

A door that stops halfway or doesn’t open at all can prevent you from getting your car out of the garage. And a door that’s stuck in the raised position poses a security risk. Possible causes for a door that won’t move include a malfunctioning opener, a faulty connection between the door and the control panel, broken springs, a blocked photo-eye sensor or a snapped cable.

3. Sagging

Does your door begin to sag or fall slowly to the floor when you open or close it about halfway? It likely means that the door is unbalanced and requires a manual adjustment. A worn spring can also create a potentially dangerous imbalance and requires prompt service.

4. Misalignment

A garage door may come off the tracks over time. This issue occurs more frequently as the door ages or sustains significant damage. A professional garage door technician can perform a comprehensive inspection and correct the problem or recommend a door replacement.

5. Slow Response Time or Hitching

A properly functioning door requires only a few seconds to open or close after you activate the opener. If your door moves more slowly or exhibits a jerky motion, there’s likely an issue with the springs or another essential component. Lubricating the tracks, rollers and other moving parts may improve the performance.

6. Shaking

A door that shakes or vibrates excessively during opening and closing may have loose hinges, damaged tracks, disconnected rollers or other mechanical issues. This problem tends to worsen over time, making it essential to perform timely service.

Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. Provides Garage Door Repair and Maintenance

Do you live in Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva or the surrounding area? If you are noticing possible maintenance issues or signs you need a new garage door, the experienced professionals at Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. are ready to help.

Delivering SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS is the focus of our business. Our experienced garage door technicians can keep your door performing well and handle the most challenging repair tasks quickly and efficiently.

Contact Us to Learn More

Are you noticing signs that your garage door needs maintenance or repairs? Call us at 630-761-1976 or fill out our online form to request a service appointment today.

Pros to Having Windows for Garage Doors

Are you in the market for a new garage door for your home? You’ll have many options regarding the style and materials, enabling you to choose a customized product that meets your unique needs. One important decision you’ll make involves whether to select a garage door with windows.

What Are the Pros to Garage Door Windows?

Installing a garage door with windows can provide many benefits for homeowners.

1. Boosts Curb Appeal

If you drive or stroll around your neighborhood, you’ll likely notice various garage door designs and styles. You’ll have numerous options for customized windows that enhance the appearance of your garage and home. If you’re planning to sell your house eventually, the right windows can make it more attractive to potential buyers.

2. Makes Your Garage Seem More Spacious

While the actual dimensions of your garage will not be affected, windows can make the space seem larger. This quality is vital if you spend a lot of time working in the garage or using it for other purposes besides parking your vehicles.

3. Provides Natural Lighting

A windowless garage may work for some homeowners, but choosing a model with windows allows the sunlight to stream inside during the daytime. You’ll increase visibility in the room without needing to turn on the lights, and the interior will be brighter and more appealing.

4. Reduces Utility Costs

Are you trying to lower your household expenses? Windows in a garage door allow natural light to enter, so you may not need to turn on the lights during the daytime hours. If you use your garage frequently during the day, the sunlight can enable you to use less electricity, which could lead to lower utility bills.

5. Minimizes Security Issues

Many homeowners are concerned about windows because they may allow people to see inside the garage. However, most manufacturers design these products with the windows toward the top of the door. The height prevents passersby from looking in, enabling you to maintain privacy and security.

Your Source for Garage Door Windows

As the longest-running Master Authorized Dealer for Clopay® doors in the region, Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. serves homeowners in Batavia, St. Charles, Geneva and beyond. We offer an entire collection of durable, attractive Clopay residential products — many of which come with an assortment of attractive window options.

When you choose us as your garage door provider, you’ll receive the SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS we’ve been delivering for decades — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Our experienced team can help you choose the perfect door and window combination for your property. We’ll also perform a fast, professional installation.

Explore Your Garage Door Window Options Today

Visit our Batavia, IL, showroom today to get a closer look at our attractive, durable garage doors with windows. Do you have questions about whether windows are an appropriate choice for your property? Call us at 630-761-1976 or submit our online contact form today.

Reasons to Add a Garage Door Camera

Security cameras are a constant presence these days. You can find them in public places, businesses and wherever else potential security and safety risks loom. A home’s garage is another area that could benefit from a security camera installation.

The Benefits of a Security Camera in a Garage Door Opener

Advancements in technology now enable you to purchase a garage door opener with a camera to bolster your home security efforts. Installing these devices provides a host of benefits.

1. Monitor a Vulnerable Area

Unauthorized individuals often select the garage as an entry point to the rest of the home. Or, if your property contains a detached garage, they may choose it as their target, especially if it’s far away or out of sight from the house. A security camera in your garage allows you to monitor this area, even if it’s out of your sightline.

2. Track Arrivals and Departures

A garage door opener camera can take a photo every time someone opens or closes the door. If you discover a break-in or items missing from your garage, you can check the recordings to see if an unauthorized individual entered the area.

3. Implement Remote Monitoring and Control

Many openers provide access to smart technology that allows you to monitor and control its functions from a remote location. Suppose you arrive at work and suddenly realize you might have left the garage door open. You can use your smartphone or tablet to check the camera feed and close the door with a quick key tap. You can also open the door to allow a delivery person inside to drop off a package, then close it after the individual leaves.

4. Receive Instant Alerts

Another advantage of a garage door opener camera with smart technology is that you can receive an immediate alert on your mobile device whenever someone attempts to enter your garage. You can then check to see if the individual is a family member or an unwanted guest.

5. Gain Night Vision Capabilities

While some burglars ply their trade during the day when no one is home, others prefer the cover of darkness. A garage door opener with a camera can provide clear night vision so you can see intruders in the dark. If you detect an uninvited nighttime visitor, you can call for help without needing to inspect the area. You can also see if nocturnal animals are attempting to seek shelter inside your garage.

Contact Us for Garage Door Opener Cameras

If you live in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles or the surrounding area, the team at Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. can meet your security camera requirements. As a ProVantage Authorized Dealer, we can provide a high-quality, technologically advanced LiftMaster® garage door opener with a camera you can trust to protect your property 24 hours a day.

Providing SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS is the cornerstone of our business — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Contact us to learn more about your garage door opener camera options today.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Garage Door for Fall and Winter

For many of us, the onset of autumn and its cooler temperatures provides a welcome respite from the summer heat and humidity. The fall is also the time to prepare your property for the upcoming winter season, including your home’s garage door.

1. Conduct a Test Run

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t pay much attention to how your door is functioning. Performing a quick test can often reveal potential signs of trouble that you can correct before they become significant repair issues. Take a moment to open and close the door and ensure that it moves smoothly, and listen for any excessively loud or unusual noises.

2. Inspect and Clean the Photo Eyes

Testing your photo eyes at least once a month ensures that your garage door closes correctly. If the photo eyes are not aligned, your door will not close. In this case, you can make slight adjustments by hand until they align. Adjust the non-lit sensor first. Once it lights up, it should be in the correct position, and your door will close properly.

If the photo eyes are dirty, the system’s reverse mechanism may not operate properly. You can clean the photo eyes using a soft cloth and mild cleaner.

3. Perform a Visual Check

You can learn a lot about your garage door’s health by inspecting it. Check for signs such as loose or frayed cables, rusted springs, damaged panels or anything else that appears amiss. Inspect the weatherstripping at the bottom of the door to ensure a tight seal. An experienced garage door technician can help you fix these issues in the early stages.

4. Lubricate Moving Parts

While most garage door maintenance tasks require the services of a trained professional, lubricating the moving parts is one job you can do yourself. Use white lithium grease or silicone spray to lubricate the rollers, hinges and springs. It’s vital to use extreme caution when lubricating these parts, as excessive lubrication can cause runs or drips on the face of your door and your vehicles.

5. Do a Fall Cleaning

The start of fall is an excellent time to clean your garage door and the area around it. Remove dirt, grass and debris that may have accumulated over the summer. Ensure the sensors are clean and unobstructed to prevent them from malfunctioning.

6. Change the Batteries

Cold winters can take a toll on batteries. Preparing a garage door for fall and winter should include replacing the batteries in the opener, remote control unit and keyless entry pad, especially if it’s been a year or longer since the last change.

Contact Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. for Help With Fall Preparation

Consolidated Garage Doors, Ltd. can handle fall prep for a garage door in Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles and the surrounding region. We strive to deliver SOLID SERVICE, SOLID SALES and SOLID PRODUCTS — we’ve been SOLID since 1976®. Our experienced technicians will perform a comprehensive inspection and troubleshooting steps to ensure your garage door is ready for the changing seasons.

Call us at 630-761-1976 or contact us online to request a service appointment today.