Things to Know When Buying a Garage Door Opener Remote

Spare garage door opener remotes are convenient to use; however, it’s kind of confusing which is the right opener to choose from. Every manufacturer makes its own replacement remotes, and universal remotes are also available. You should know the features you need and the size of the remote. Full-size remotes clip onto the car visor. This is convenient; however, it may become a security risk if your car is stolen. Mini-remotes clip onto your key chain and operate just like a full-size remote.

Look for the Garage Door Opener Information

Find the manufacturer and model information on the motor unit found on the garage ceiling or on the external receiver near the wire antenna. Using the manufacturer information, you can buy an exact replacement for the garage door remote by matching brand and model number and buying it directly from a representative of the manufacturer, or online. If you have an older garage door opener, this is the way to go. Most universal remotes do not work on quite older models, but the manufacturers still sell the remotes.

Universal Garage Door Remote Controls

Universal garage door remote controls are available that can be programmed for use with most brands of latest garage door openers. You still need to know the manufacturer to make sure the remote works for your garage door and to program the remote. You can program universal garage door openers to open one or two garage doors. With the addition of a light control switch, a universal remote also turns on the garage light or your home lights. If you have a newer garage door opener but if you are doubtful of the exact model, a universal remote will probably do the trick.

• The Buttons

The number of buttons on your garage door remote is determined by how many devices you want to control. If you have two garage doors and a remote-controlled garage light, you need three buttons. One garage door and one light or two doors require two buttons. Garage door remotes are available with up to four buttons.

• Programming the Remote

If you buy the remote for your particular brand of garage door, programming is usually very easy and simple. You press, hold and release the buttons in the pattern specified in the instructions and the remote will automatically determine the right radio frequencies for your garage door opener. Universal remotes are a little more complicated. You have to first set the dip switches on the remote to indicate the garage door opener brand, then the radiofrequency. Your universal remote should come with a full set of programming instructions.

• Wireless Keypads

You can also replace a garage door opener with a wireless keypad. Wireless keypads can open up to three different gates or garage doors, and are usually mounted outside the garage so that family members can open the garage without the remote. Wireless keypads require a security code to open the garage door. They are convenient if you have lost or forgotten your remote and for use by temporary guests or service persons.