A lot has been said about the convenience, security, and long-term value that an automatic gate opener brings, but what are the downsides of purchasing and installing one? Automatic gate openers do come with many benefits, but they also have some potential drawbacks depending on the setup, environment, and user expectations.
If you are in the market for an automatic gate opener, it is wise to weigh the pros against the cons to decide if an automatic gate opener is a worthy investment for your home.
Let's explore the real-world advantages and disadvantages of automatic gate openers, and estimate the time, cost, and energy estimates, so you can make the best decision for your needs.
1. Some Gate Openers are Highly Power Dependent
Most gate openers rely on electricity and do not have a battery or solar option. If you live in any of the states with the most power outages, like Texas, Maine, and Louisiana, you might be forced to go back to manually opening the gate whenever power goes out.
- In some areas, downtime during power outages might be up to 8 hours. Florida has the longest power outage duration, about 14.6 hours per customer per year.
- Manually opening the gate might be heavy labour, especially if you have a large double swing gate.
- Battery backup or solar upgrade can also be quite costly, usually about $200 to $600.
How to Mitigate this Setback
To mitigate the power dependency problem, choose models with battery backup or solar power compatibility.
Modern electric gate opener models like the W2 Dual Swing Gate Opener from Zumi offer four flexible power options to suit your needs. You can connect solar panels for off-grid use, battery or AC power for reliable energy, or both solar and battery power for optimal performance in any situation.
2. Gate Openers are Costly to Install
Automatic gate openers can be very costly to install, and the installation process is often very time-consuming, especially when it involves handling electrical wiring or heavy-duty components.
- Most of the time, you would need professional installation services. Given that electricians charge about $60 and $120 per hour, the total installation cost may go up to about $500-$4,000, type of gate opener you are dealing with.
- Also, you may have to wait about 1-2 days for the installation process to be completed.
Mitigating Gate Opener Installation Costs
To mitigate this, always go for a gate opener that is easy to install, comes with a complete installation manual, and with all the components required for installation.
Zumi’s gate openers come with a full automatic gate opener kit, containing every component you need for quick installation. The instruction manual is especially detailed with illustrations to help you complete the installation without needing much professional assistance.
3. Gate Openers are Complicated and Demanding to Maintain
Gate openers have moving parts like chains, hinges, and sensors that need regular maintenance to prevent malfunctions or breakdowns.
Here are some maintenance requirements for the average automatic gate opener:
- Maintenance must be frequent, about 1-2 hours every 3-6 months
- The maintenance procedure typically involves cleaning, lubrication, and checking sensors.
- Sometimes you may need professional maintenance services. Those may cost about $100-$300 a year.
Without proper upkeep, performance will decrease, and repair costs may be higher each time.
Mitigating Maintenance Requirements
The best way to mitigate maintenance requirements for a gate opener is to invest in a quality gate opener. Ensure that your gate is capable of delivering a trustworthy performance.
Zumi’s double swing gate openers run smoothly and quietly because they are made with industrial-grade nylon gears designed to last over 10,000 cycles.
The W2 Pro Heavy Dual Swing Gate Opener, for example, is powered by a 60W DC motor that has been tested over 10,000 test cycles and is capable of delivering a motor power of 4,600 rpm.
4. Gate Openers Can Be Vulnerable in Bad Weather.
Extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, or lightning can affect the performance of an automatic gate opener.
This is a serious setback, especially considering that some of the vulnerable parts of a gate opener, like sensors and the motor, are meant to be installed outdoors where they are vulnerable to environmental factors.
If you live in any of the states with severe winter storms, or lightning capital like Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, or Kansas, you may be inconvenienced in the following ways:
- You may go for days without using the gate opener
- Have to invest in extra waterproofing covers (or heating devices)
- Have to clear snow/debris and manually open the gate many times a year.
Mitigating the Weather Vulnerability of Your Gate Opener
To mitigate this, always choose a gate opener that is specially designed to be resistant to the elements. Check for a good IP rating: Zumi Gate Opener's IP55 weatherproof rating, for example, stands up to rain and dust, offering long-lasting performance.
5. Gate Openers Have a High Initial Learning Curve
Some gate opener kits come with so many components that users may find the remote controls, wireless keypads, or smartphone integrations confusing at first.
Moreover, some level of digital understanding is usually needed to connect the different components and get them to work together. Proper setup and programming can take time, as you may need to:
- Understand the settings
- Read the manuals, sync the apps, and program the keyboards.
It is not really a problem if your gate opener comes with many different parts and components. The more the parts, the more functions and roles they can play.
Start by installing the basic components, and you can figure out the rest with time.
6. Gate Openers Often Face Obstruction Issues
Automatic gate openers can be especially sensitive to obstacles like cars, pets, or debris, and though this is a good thing, it can sometimes be a problem:
Sensors may falsely trigger, or the gate may stop functioning, if something blocks the path.
This may be an inconvenience to consider because:
- It can sometimes take about 15 minutes to several hours to resolve obstruction issues
- Professionally cleaning or replacing sensors can be costly.
Usually, this is more of an inconvenience than a major issue. Gate openers are designed to freeze in place or reverse if they sense something in their path. This is a safety measure, and it is necessary, though inconvenient.
7. They May Cause Security Risks If Poorly Set Up
Low-quality gate openers may be more vulnerable to hacking or manual override.
Without proper encryption or physical security (e.g., tamper-proof wiring), wireless remotes and keypads could be exploited. This could mean:
- Potential break-ins or breaches
- You have to install cameras, locks, and other safety devices.
- You may have to pay more in the long run to upgrade the system.
How To Mitigate Gate Opener Security Risks
You need to be proactive rather than reactive. Before buying a gate opener, you must check whether it has a good anti-hacking system to secure it against hacking attempts.
Sometimes it comes down to how much the gate opener brand prioritizes securing its gate openers. With the right encryption, a gate opener can be protected against forced entry or hacking.
Zumi uses an exclusive 128-bit encrypted rolling code for all its gate openers that's nearly impossible to crack, and offers security far beyond what 64-bit systems provide.
Related: How secure is a gate opener against forced entry?
Should You Buy A Gate Opener
In spite of the drawbacks, there are still many reasons why gate openers are a worthy investment. The long-term benefits of installing a gate opener outweigh the drawbacks, especially for homeowners or businesses that value convenience, security, and property value enhancement.
A good quality gate opener still provides
- unmatched convenience,
- enhanced security,
- boosts your property value,
- customization to meet your specific needs, likes, and habits.
Besides, many of the disadvantages of automatic gate openers can be mitigated or completely avoided if you get a good quality model with multiple power sources, live in an area with good weather, and/or possess basic electronic skills.
Get a Quality Gate Opener From Zumi
With any of the several gate opener models from Zumi, you get not only security, convenience, and robust performance, but also advanced technological features and customizable service.
- You can use the Zumi app for complete gate control, real-time updates, long-range control, pedestrian cameras, vehicle recognition, license plate recognition, etc.
- With smart scene technology, you can set up your smart scenes by selecting specific periods and defining the smart detection radius. Watch your gate open automatically as soon as your car approaches.
Choose Zumi gate openers for the ultimate experience. Here’s a gate opener comparison guide to help you easily and accurately decide which gate opener best suits your gate.
Conclusion
Yes, you should buy a gate opener, as long as you understand the costs and choose the right system. The convenience, security, and increased property value often outweigh the time, effort, and money involved.
It’s a long-term investment in your comfort, safety, and property, just like HVAC, security cameras, or smart lighting.
You might also be interested in how much electricity a gate opener uses if you get one.
