“While Genie includes new technology in the PowerLift 900, their are
better options for another $50 or so”
| Price: $175 (est.) | |
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| PowerLift 900 1/2 HP AC Screw Drive Garage Door Opener |
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The Genie PowerLift 900 is a 1/2 HP AC powered screw drive garage door opener. This is Genie’s entry level model in their redesigned line.
While Genie includes new technology in the PowerLift 900, their are better options for another $50 or so. The price point and low profile design are attractive, but the louder AC motor and more basic features make this an unattractive option.
If you want the best DIY screw drive garage door opener Genie makes, consider the Genie PowerMax 1500. It is not that much more expensive than the PowerLift 900, it has DC power, faster opening speed, added features and enough power for any garage door.
Another winner in the new Genie DIY line is theGenie SilentMax 1000, a 3/4 HP belt drive DC garage door opener with outstanding consumer feedback.
Genie has always been known as the screw drive garage door opener company, but they have recently made a positive statement with their newest chain drive and belt drive models.
Genie PowerLift 900 Garage Door Opener features:
| Horsepower: 1/2 HP AC Motor Type of Drive: Screw (Direct Drive) Light Source: 120 watt lighting system (Two 60-Watt bulbs, max.) Security Features:
Safety Features:
Warranty:
Special Features:
Options:
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Genie PowerLift 900 – New Features
The PowerLift 900 and Genie’s other new models use a dual frequency system, SmartSet™ programming and a new generation of multi-function wall control.
Dual Frequency System – Also known as “Auto Seek,” this frequency hopping feature causes the opener to choose either the 315 or 390 MHz transmission frequency, depending on which one offers the least interference.
SmartSet™ – This easy-to-use programming feature allows for simple adjustments to speed, force and limits (when the garage door stops at the top and bottom of its cycle). No screw driver needed. Just use the clearly marked buttons to make simple adjustments.
Multi-Function Wall Control – The PowerLift 900 wall control includes an Open/Close button, a “Light” button to turn the light on an off, and a Sure-Lock™ button to lock out all radio transmissions and turn off the Open/Close feature. This is often referred to as a “vacation lock” since it is handy for times when you will be away from home on vacation or other extended activities.
Garage Lighting – The PowerLift 900 uses a two bulb 120 Watt (max.) light system. While this is adequate for parking your cars and doing basic tasks in the garage, you may need more light for projects or other activities. Consider adding specialized garage lighting if you are a crafter, woodworker, or you will be working on your cars in the garage.
Genie PowerLift 900 Safety and Security
Modern safety and security features are standard on all Genie garage door openers. The PowerLift 900 includes Safe-T-Beam® infrared garage door sensors, auto seek dual frequency technology to limit radio frequency interference, and Intellicode® 2 rolling codegarage door remotes. This model also has a manual door release to allow use without power.
Infrared garage door sensors, as most people are aware, emit an infrared light across the base of the garage opening. If the light beam is broken, the garage door will not close or it will stop and reverse to re-open if it has already begun the closing cycle.
What’s not included on this AC powered model? GenieSense™ technology for enhanced safety as well as soft start and stop, both of which are standard on Genie’s higher end DC garage door openers.
Genie PowerLift 900 Garage Door Remotes
The PowerLift 900 comes with the newest Genie 3-button Intellicode® 2 garage door remotes that are backward compatible with Intellicode® 1 remotes. This is important if you have an older Intellicode equipped Genie garage door opener operating one of your other garage doors. Intellicode® 2 remotes have a more advanced type of encryption than the prior Intellicode® models.
The PowerLift 900 is also compatible with the HomeLink® and Car2U® home automation systems if your car is equipped.
Genie PowerLift 900 Consumer Reports
There are enough consumer reviews for the PowerLift 900 to call this a poor choice. On the HomeDepot.com site, for example, there are currently 12 reviews with a 2.8 out of 5 star on average. The two most common complaints relate to construction quality and difficulty with installation.
It is understandable that Genie would want to produce a screw drive garage door opener at this price point. However, with such a small price difference between this and the more highly rated models, save your money and buy a Genie PowerMax 1500 or 1200 screw drive model.
If you like Genie and you are open to a belt drive garage door opener, consider the highly rated Genie SilentMax 1000. Of all the new Genie models for the DIY crowd, this belt drive DC garage door opener has excellent consumer reviews and has proven to be the most popular.
Genie PowerLift 900 Owner’s Manual
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