How Much Energy Does A Garage Door Opener Use

How Much Energy Does A Garage Door Opener Use?

Garage door openers are an essential part of many homes, providing convenience and security. But how much energy do they use? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the type of opener, the frequency of use, and the climate. ### Types of Garage Door Openers There are three main types of garage door openers: *

Chain drive:

These openers are the most common type. They use a chain to lift and lower the door. *

Belt drive:

Belt drive openers are similar to chain drive openers, but they use a belt instead of a chain. This makes them quieter and smoother operating. *

Screw drive:

Screw drive openers use a threaded rod to lift and lower the door. They are the most powerful type of opener, but they are also the noisiest. ### Frequency of Use The more you use your garage door opener, the more energy it will use. If you only open and close your garage door a few times a day, you won't use much energy. But if you open and close it multiple times a day, you could use a significant amount of energy. ### Climate The climate in which you live can also affect how much energy your garage door opener uses. In cold climates, the opener will have to work harder to lift the door, which will use more energy. In hot climates, the opener will have to work harder to keep the door closed, which will also use more energy. ### Average Energy Usage The average garage door opener uses about 100 watts of electricity per hour. This means that if you open and close your garage door 10 times a day, you will use about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity per day. Over the course of a year, this could add up to 365 kWh of electricity, which would cost about $45 at the national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh. ### Ways to Reduce Energy Usage There are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of energy your garage door opener uses: *

Use a more efficient opener.

If you are replacing your old opener, choose a model that is Energy Star certified. Energy Star certified openers use up to 20% less energy than conventional openers. *

Open and close your garage door less frequently.

If you can, park your car in the driveway instead of the garage. You can also avoid opening and closing the garage door when you are not home. *

Insulate your garage door.

Insulating your garage door will help to keep the temperature in your garage more stable, which will reduce the amount of energy your opener has to use. *

Use a solar-powered opener.

Solar-powered openers are a great way to reduce your energy usage and your carbon footprint. Solar-powered openers use the sun's energy to charge a battery, which then powers the opener. By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of energy your garage door opener uses and save money on your energy bills.