If you’re like most people, you haven’t given much thought to your garage door opener remote. However, this little device is more important than you may realize. Here are five tips for getting the most out of yours.

1. Use a brand-name remote

Is your current garage door opener remote right for the job? It’s best to have a brand-name remote that offers reliable operation and optimal security.

At Creative Door Services™, we carry garage door openers and remotes from major brands like Genie and LiftMaster that are warranty-backed and can be counted on to consistently operate as they’re meant to.

These brands also put security first by using rolling code technologies that protect your garage door opener from being hacked.

With this in mind, get the facts about the remote you currently use to determine if it’s as secure as it should be. If you need to replace it, we advise choosing one that matches the brand and model of your opener or getting a universal remote made by a major garage door opener brand.

2. Mind the buttons

Garage door remotes can have one button or they can have two, three, or even four. If you have more than one garage, it makes sense to have a single garage door remote that you can use to operate them.

Most garage door remotes work with specific brands of garage door openers. For example, if you get a three-button Genie remote, it can be used with Genie openers, but not with openers from other brands. If you have garage door openers from various brands, you’ll want to get a universal remote from a trusted company.

Multi-button and universal remotes can also be programmed to work with gate operators. If, for example, you have a LiftMaster garage door opener and a LiftMaster gate operator, you can get a LiftMaster (or universal) remote to operate both of them.

When you get a new remote, always take the time to correctly program it. To avoid running into trouble, read our guide.

3. Opt for the features you need

There are several other features you should take into account if you’ve decided to replace your remote. For one, you should see what type of battery the opener uses. Longer battery life is always a bonus. Many modern remotes come with a three-volt battery that provides up to five years of operation.

You should also consider whether you want a visor or key-chain remote. It’s worth keeping in mind that having a garage door remote clipped to your visor can put you at a higher risk for being targeted by a thief. Some criminals target cars with visible garage door opener remotes, knowing that the remote is essentially a key to the person’s home.

In addition, some types of remotes have special features that set them apart. For example, the Genie Closed Confirm remote alerts you if your garage door hasn’t been properly closed. And both Genie and LiftMaster have remotes equipped with a bright LED flashlight that allows users to feel safer when entering their garage in the evening.

4. Take good care of it

A garage door remote can give the wrong person access to your garage with the press of a button. Therefore, it’s important that you keep track of your remotes. If you give one to your child, impress on them the importance of looking after it.

You should also keep spare batteries for your remote on hand in case you need them. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up remote in the event that you lose your current one.

5. Consider wireless access

If you’re replacing your garage door opener, then you may choose to get a model that you can operate using your smartphone and thereby dispense with remotes altogether. Garage door manufacturers such as LiftMaster and Genie have Wi-Fi-enabled openers that allow you to open, close, and monitor your garage door using an app on your phone.

To learn more about wireless garage access and the security benefits its offers, read our articles about Genie Aladdin Connect and LiftMaster myQ technology.

Comprehensive Garage Door Services In Western Canada

If you’re having issues with your remote control or need a new one, reach out to the dedicated team at Creative Door Services™. We also offer superior garage door and garage door opener installation and repair services.

For more information, contact us at one of our eight branches in Western Canada. We have locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.