Comparing Garage Door Opener Motors: AC vs DC

AC stands for alternating current. An AC garage door opener system contains a small output shaft that is wrapped in coils. When electricity flows to the coils, the coils create a magnetic field of sorts that is then converted by nearby transformers to the energy that is needed to open and close the door.

DC Garage Door Opener

DC stands for direct current. With these garage door opener systems, the power comes not from a magnetic field created by coils. Instead, the power comes from a nearby energy source, such as a battery.

Key Differences Between AC and DC

Essentially, both ac and dc garage door opener systems do the same thing. They both create the power needed to open and close the garage door, so you don't have to lift and pull the heavy door.

While they basically do the same thing, there are slight differences that may make one system a better choice for your home or business.

Some of the key differences between an ac and dc garage door opener system are:

• Noise - DC garage door opener systems tend to be noticeably quieter than the AC systems
• Ability to operate by battery - Both systems need to be plugged into an outlet. However, in the event of a power outage, only one system - the DC garage door opener system - will still work. With an AC system, you will have to manually open and close the door if a power outage occurs.
• Strength - AC garage door systems can generate stronger energy than DC garage door opener systems. If you have a heavy or extra large garage door, extra energy may be needed to open and close the door.
• Maintenance - Both garage door opener systems require regular maintenance in order to keep operating. However, the AC garage door system tends to have lower maintenance needs than the DC system.
• Energy efficiency - DC garage door opener systems are more energy efficient than AC garage door systems. However, they often cost more.
• Technological features - DC garage door opener systems tend to be more compatible with technological features, such as having an automatic LED corner light or the ability to remotely open/close the door via an app.

Choosing the Right Motor

To choose the right garage door opener system, you will want to ask yourself the following questions:



• Are power outages a concern?
• Is noise a concern?
• How heavy is the garage door?
• Is there a possibility that you want to use technological features, such as operating the system by an app?
• How much maintenance do you want to perform on the garage door opener system?
• What is your budget?

Need help determining which system is right for you. Let the experts at Uplift Garage help. We have experience in helping customers find the best garage opener system for their home or business. Call us today to schedule an appointment to have one of our technicians help you explore your options when it comes to ac vs dc garage door opener systems.