Automatic garage door openers have been around for some 40 years or so, but with advances in technology as well as home automation, garage door openers deserve a second look.
Wireless Technology
The whole meaning of the word wireless has changed immeasurably in the past 10 years, and much of it has centred around the mobile phone of course. With these advancements come advances in wireless garage door openers.
Remember the old door openers you used to clip to the visor of your front windshield? Say au revoir and say hello to mobile apps that open and close your garage door from wherever you are. You can also share access control, and receive a text or email whenever your garage door is opened.
miDoor: It has a special feature of numerous alarms that will be triggered so that you know when your garage door is prompted unawares.
There are many such devices and apps that range in price and complexity. Make a list of the features you’d like in your system and read all the reviews to make sure you know what you’re getting.
Home Automation Systems
Some smart home systems allow you to open your garage door, but be careful you research whether or not this is the case before you commit. If the system you have or wish to have does not have a garage door opening function, you should be able to integrate such a device with your smart home system, assuming they are compatible.
Systems that can integrate garage door openers are Amazon Echo, and IFTTT software. If you choose a system that does integrate with Alexa, you can make your life super easy by opening your garage door with your voice.
Security
Garage security is something to pay attention to, as most garages have a direct entrance into the home. In fact, the garage is often the main entrance to many suburban homes. The new wireless, remote and automatic systems provide a greater array of security options than ever before such as:
- Built-in camera systems that include night vision, the ability to view a camera feed remotely and automatically save footage
- Some systems come with automatic lighting sensors
- Many systems include encryption which encrypts the entry code to your door
And while you’re there, how about replacing your old door with a new garage door. Your curb appeal will increase along with your home security.
