Everything in our homes is getting smarter, from the ingenious (of course I want to turn the A/C on before I get home) to the superfluous (do I really need the ability to control my air fryer using an iPhone)? Smart garage door openers are just one of those modern innovations that make life a little easier, and in our opinion, they fall more into the “ingenious” category. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about smart garage door openers and other smart garage features so you can decide whether an upgrade makes sense for your home and lifestyle.
What is a Smart Garage Door Opener?
A smart garage door opener is a Wi-Fi or internet-enabled device that allows you to operate your garage door remotely through an app on your smartphone, tablet, or web interface. Unlike traditional garage door openers, smart models offer features such as remote and voice control, notifications for when your garage door opens or closes, and the ability to set schedules for automatic opening and closing.
Can I Make My Existing Garage Door Smart?
Absolutely! There’s no need to replace your entire garage door opener to get the benefits of a smart system. If your existing garage door opener is functioning well and is less than 30 years old or so, you can retrofit it with a smart controller. Smart controller devices connect to your existing opener and link it to your home Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control the door from anywhere using your mobile device. Popular retrofit devices include the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub, which is compatible with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993.
Do I Need Wi-Fi for a Smart Garage Door Opener?
Yes, most smart garage door openers require a stable Wi-Fi connection to operate remotely. The Wi-Fi connection allows the smart opener to communicate with your home network and the associated app on your device, enabling features such as remote access, voice commands via smart home assistants, and receiving alerts.
Security of Smart Garage Door Openers vs. Traditional Openers
A question we are often asked by our customers is, “Are smart garage doors easier to break into?” Both smart and traditional garage door openers come with strengths and vulnerabilities, but smart systems are not inherently more prone to breach than their traditional counterparts. Let’s compare features:
1. Remote Monitoring and Alerts
Smart Openers: Most smart garage door openers can send alerts to your smartphone whenever the garage door opens or closes. This feature allows you to monitor garage door activity in real time, no matter where you are. If an unexpected operation occurs, you can immediately check and react accordingly.
Traditional Openers: Traditional units do not typically offer remote monitoring or alerts, meaning you only know the status of your garage door if you are physically present.
2. Remote Operation
Smart Openers: The ability to control your garage door remotely enhances security by allowing you to close the door if you forget to do so when leaving home. Additionally, you can open it remotely to allow access for family members who may be locked out without compromising your home’s overall security by hiding a key outside.
Traditional Openers: With traditional openers, if you forget to close the door, you must physically return home to secure it, which is inconvenient or may not always be feasible.
3. Access Codes
Smart Openers: They often allow the creation of unique user codes. You can provide these codes to family members or service personnel (we’re looking at you, Amazon!), which can be time-limited or revoked at any time without the need to physically change locks or retrieve keys.
Traditional Openers: They might use fixed codes or dip switch configurations, which are less secure. If a code needs to be shared, it can’t be easily changed later, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
4. Integration with Home Security Systems
Smart Openers: These devices can be integrated into broader home security systems and smart home platforms. This integration can include features such as cameras, which can activate and record if the garage door opens unexpectedly.
Traditional Openers: Integration with additional security systems is generally not an option with traditional openers, limiting their effectiveness as a security tool.
Potential Security Vulnerabilities of Smart Openers vs. Traditional Openers
1. Hacking Risks
Smart Openers: While smart openers are equipped with encryption and rolling codes, they are connected to the internet, which potentially exposes them to the risk of digital attacks. It’s crucial to secure your home Wi-Fi network and keep the garage door opener’s firmware up to date.
Traditional Openers: Lack of internet connectivity means traditional openers are not susceptible to hacking in the traditional sense; however, they are vulnerable to other forms of electronic interference or duplication of the remote signal if not using rolling codes.
2. Dependence on Electricity and Internet
Smart Openers: These devices rely on a stable internet connection and power supply. During a power outage or network failure, the smart features may not be accessible, though manual operation is still possible. Battery backups can provide a failsafe option in case of a power outage.
Traditional Openers: They also rely on electricity but do not need an internet connection. In power outages, manual operation is typically the backup option.
Other Smart Garage Features
Assignable Key Code Entry
If you’re considering upgrading your garage with an assignable keycode entry system, here’s how it simplifies access. Keypads with this functionality communicate wirelessly with your garage door opener, enabling control right at your fingertips. You can set unique access codes through your smartphone or directly on the keypad itself for family members or temporary visitors like service technicians or delivery personnel, and you can also customize their access times as needed for enhanced security.
Each use of the keypad sends a notification to your phone, so you’re always informed about who’s entering or leaving your garage. For those who love a connected home, these systems can often integrate with broader home automation setups, allowing actions like turning on lights automatically when the garage opens. This feature adds both convenience and an extra layer of security to your home environment, blending casual ease with professional-grade functionality.
Voice Control Garage Door Openers
Voice control for smart garage door openers allows you to operate your garage door using voice commands through smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This technology connects your garage door opener to your home Wi-Fi network, integrating it with your chosen smart home ecosystem. Once set up, you can simply speak your command—like “Open the garage door” or “Close the garage door”—and the system responds accordingly. This hands-free operation is especially useful when you’re busy with tasks that require both hands (kids, groceries, the Costco haul), or when you’re not in the immediate vicinity of a controller or your smartphone.
After-Hours Lockup Protocols
After-hours lockup protocols for smart garage doors provide an automated security feature that ensures your garage door is securely closed at a predetermined time each evening. This is particularly useful if you frequently forget to close your garage door at night (it happens to the best of us). By setting up this feature through your smart garage door’s app, you can specify the time you want the door to close automatically every day. For instance, you could set it to close at 10 PM each night. The system will automatically initiate the close command at the scheduled time, and you can receive a notification on your smartphone confirming the action has been completed.
Amazon Key
Giving garage access through Amazon is a fantastic convenience feature for those who do a lot of online shopping. When you enable Amazon Key for garage delivery, you authorize delivery drivers to open your garage door via a secure digital key to safely leave packages inside your garage. This is done through the Amazon Key app, which integrates with compatible smart garage door openers. When a delivery is about to happen, you receive notifications on your smartphone, and you can monitor the delivery in real-time if you have a compatible camera installed. This service not only prevents package theft but also protects your deliveries from bad weather, ensuring that your parcels are safe and sound until you can retrieve them, all without compromising the security of your home.
Our Recommendation: Smart Garage Door Openers are a Smart Investment
Smart garage door openers offer a blend of convenience and security that can make a significant difference in your daily routine and peace of mind. Whether you’re upgrading an existing setup or installing a new one, the options are extensive and cater to a variety of needs and preferences. By choosing the right model and maintaining proper security practices, you can greatly enhance the functionality and safety of your home.
For assistance with a smart garage door opener installation or any other garage door issue, connect with our experts for a free, no-pressure consultation!