A universal garage door opener is a device that can control multiple brands of garage door openers. This can be helpful if you have multiple garages or need to replace your current garage door opener (e.g. if it was stolen) and don’t want to buy a new one.
By using a universal garage door opener, you can keep the same familiar device you’re used to using while still having the ability to open any brand of garage door.
In this blog post, we’ll be discussing universal garage door openers and their benefits. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, and some of the features that make them so convenient.
By the end of this post, you’ll know whether or not a universal garage door opener is right for you.
What You'll Learn Today
How Do Universal Garage Door Openers Work?
A universal garage door opener is a device that allows you to open and close your garage door from inside your car. It consists of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver.
The transmitter is typically mounted on the wall near the garage door. The receiver is located on the ceiling of the garage, near the motor unit that operates the door.
Most universal garage door openers come with one or two receivers. One receiver is typically enough for most people, but if you have a large family or want to be able to use multiple transmitters (for example, if you have one in your car and one in your house), then you may want to purchase an opener with two receivers.
Using a universal garage door opener is simple. The transmitter sends a signal to the receiver when you press the “open” or “close” button. The receiver then sends a signal to the motor unit, which opens or closes the door accordingly.
There are three types of garage door openers, all of which will work with universal remotes These include:
Chain-Driven Openers
Chain-driven openers are the most common type of garage door opener. They are also the most affordable. Chain-driven openers use a metal chain to move the trolley that opens and closes the garage door.
These openers are strong and durable, but they can be noisy. If you have an attached garage, this may not be the best option for you.
Screw-Driven Openers
Screw-driven openers are similar to chain-driven openers, but they use a metal rod instead of a chain. These openers are also strong and durable, but they can be even louder than chain-driven openers. If you have an attached garage, this is probably not the best option for you.
Belt-Driven Openers
Belt-driven openers are the most expensive type of opener, but they are also the quietest. Belt-driven openers use a rubber belt to move the trolley that opens and closes the garage door. These openers are ideal for people with attached garages because they will not make too much noise.
Pros and Cons of Universal Garage Door Openers
When it comes to garage door openers, there are two main types that you can choose from – universal or dedicated. Universal openers can be used with any brand or model of garage door, while dedicated openers are specific to one brand or model. So, what are the pros and cons of each type? Let’s take a look.
The Pros of Universal Openers:
- wider selection to choose from
- usually more affordable than dedicated openers
- easier to find replacement parts
- can be used with multiple brands/models of garage doors
The Cons of Universal Openers:
- may not be compatible with certain brands/models of garage doors
- installation can be more difficult
- may not offer as many features as dedicated openers
The Pros of Dedicated Openers:
- specifically designed for one brand/model of garage door, so compatibility is not an issue
- often easier to install than universal openers
- may offer more features than universal openers
- replacement parts are usually easy to find
The Cons of Dedicated Openers:
- limited selection to choose from
- usually more expensive than universal openers
- replacement parts can be difficult or impossible to find if the opener is discontinued by the manufacturer
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a universal or dedicated opener comes down to a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to each type, so it’s important to weigh those carefully before making a decision.
How Do You Program a Universal Garage Door Opener?
The instructions for programming a universal garage door opener vary a bit depending on the make and model of your specific unit. However, most are more or less the same.
Start by finding the “learn” button on your garage door opener unit. This is usually located near where the hanging antenna is attached to the unit.
Once you have located the “learn” button, press and hold it until the indicator light starts blinking. The light might be red, green, purple, or yellow, depending on the brand and model of your garage door opener.
Next, take your remote control and press and hold the button that you want to use to open or close your garage door.
Some models will have a separate button for open and close while others will have a single button that does both functions. While still holding down the button on your remote, press the “learn” button on your garage door opener unit again.
The indicator light should now be solid (not blinking). Release both buttons.
Congrats—you have now successfully programmed your first button! Repeat these steps for any additional buttons that you want to program onto your remote.
That’s it! You now know how to program a universal garage door opener. Wasn’t that easy? Now that you’ve got this new skill under your belt, put it to good use and enjoy being able to easily open and close your garage door!
Here’s a video with more information on how to walk you through programming a universal garage door remote:
How Much Does a Universal Garage Door Opener Cost?
If you are looking for a garage door opener that will work with any door, you will need to purchase a universal opener. Universal openers are available from most major retailers and can be purchased for around $250 to $500.
However, it is important to note that universal openers may not work with all doors. In addition, you will need to purchase a separate remote control for each door. And don’t forget about potential installation costs!
For this reason, it is important to compare the costs of different types of openers before making a purchase.
Now that you know what a universal garage door opener is and how it works, as well as its benefits, you may be wondering where to buy one or how to install it.
Fortunately, there are many reputable retailers that sell high-quality garage door openers, like Chamberlain and LiftMaster. And if you’re feeling handy, most universal garage door openers come with installation instructions. But if you’d rather leave it to the professionals, many garage door companies offer installation services.
Consider one today!
