Like all of today's garage-door openers, the models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers include sensors to prevent the door from striking someone or something underneath, a federally mandated safety feature since 1993. Another standard safety feature is automatic reverse in case a collision does occur. If you have an older system without these features, experts say it's worth replacing, especially if you have children around. Manufacturers also recommend testing the safety mechanisms periodically by placing an object such as an inverted trashcan under the door and attempting to close it. Remotes and wall controls should be kept out of the reach of children.

Here's what else experts say about buying a garage-door opener:

  • Chain-drive units are common and relatively inexpensive, but tend to be noisy. Experts recommend the quieter (and slightly more expensive) screw-drive models, since they have the fewest number of moving parts and require little to no maintenance. Belt-drive units are the quietest, but also the most expensive.
  • A 1/2-horsepower motor will lift heavy garage doors and is less likely to burn out. A 3/4-horsepower engine for heavy-duty needs is also available on some models. Garage-door openers with 1/4- and 1/3-horsepower engines aren't widely available.
  • Rolling-code technology selects a new, non-repeating access code from among billions of possibilities every time the remote control is operated. Almost all garage-door openers have this feature.
  • A keypad or touchpad outside the garage allows entry via a programmable code. If this feature doesn't come standard with the unit you choose, it can generally be added as an option.
  • Many units have a simple doorbell-style button for opening and closing the door. Others have a more complex control panel with keypad programming and vacation lock to prevent the door from being opened while you're away.
  • Most openers include a light, which should stay on for a few minutes after the unit is activated to allow time to get into the house. All the models in ConsumerSearch Fast Answers have lights.

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