When it comes to horsepower for your garage door, more is not always better. There are many things to consider when deciding how much power you need, such as the weight of the door itself and its age, so be sure to do a thorough evaluation before installing a garage door opener that's either too strong or not strong enough.

There are a few other things to consider when selecting a garage door opener, such as:

Composition: A garage door that is made out of steel is going to be heavier than one made out of fiberglass, which means you'll need more horsepower. The same applies if you have a door that is also insulated, or made of wood.

Durability: An opener that doesn't have as much horsepower will generally need to be replaced more often. Before you decide to get the most power you can, though, consult a company that specializes in garage door services to get advice on what is right for you.

Size: If you're buying for a door that is going into a true two-car garage instead of a single-car, you'll need more horsepower since the door is larger.

How Much Horsepower Do I Need?

Depending on the type of garage door opener you need, you can find openers with horsepower that range from 1/3 to over 1 HP, although most homeowners choose either the 1/2 or 3/4 HP models. Anything more than that is generally overkill, but if you have an oversized, steel, insulated garage door, you'll need more power than the average consumer. The most common uses for 1HP and greater openers are for detached garage doors and commercial buildings since those buildings are larger and made of metal, which means the door has to match.

Very rarely will you need garage door openers that are less than 1/2 HP. Doors that only require 1/3 HP are lightweight and built for single-car garages, such as those found in townhomes. As stated above, a few other downsides to these models is that they will need to be replaced more often and won't operate as efficiently. It's better to keep a little more power than you need to save money in the long run. By choosing the right horsepower for your garage door opener, you'll strike the right balance between cost and efficiency. Let your local garage door professional advise you as to the best course of action for your home.