Chamberlain PD612EV Power Drive Review
The Chamberlain PD612EV is one of the most affordable garage door openers available on the market at the moment. It is also one of the most affordable Chamberlain models ever. Nevertheless, this unit comes with basic safety features, it is reasonably quiet and has a great warranty. In a nutshell, this model comes with most of the features average users need.
Product overview
Despite the fact the PD612EV is entry-level garage door opener, it still has plenty to offer. First of all, the design is modern and appealing. Then we have the fact there are lights built-in the main unit, which makes the overall looks even better. You will definitely like this unit installed in your garage.
Controlling the device is simple and easy. You can use a remote controller or your smartphone, it is up to you. Furthermore, the wall console is also used for monitoring the unit.
When it comes to the technologies, you will get a chain mechanism, which is reasonably quiet, but isn’t as quiet as some, more expensive models have. The electric motor in this unit is 1/2 HP, making it sufficient for lifting all garage doors with the total weight of 300 pounds. You can use it for doors with a height of 7 feet, but in a case you have 8 or 10 feet door, you will have to add extension kit. It is also affordable and it can be easily implemented into the rest of the system.
Chain drive comes with an industrial grade, meaning that it is more durable than conventional systems you can purchase today. At the same time, this is the main reason for the noise of the unit.
We must add that the electric motor is reliable and it is going to last for a long period of time. Overall, there are plenty of essential features, safety technologies and accessories this unit has to offer to potential owners.
Product Advantages
You would expect a short list of advantages the Chamberlain PD612EV garage door opener has to offer. Actually, there are plenty of advantages which must be mentioned. Believe or not, this model is appreciated even by more demanding users.
- Smooth operation
One of the main advantages is the smoothness of the door opening and closing. The entire system is well-balanced and perfectly adjusted. In other words, you get smooth and linear garage door opening which can be compared to more expensive models.
- Easy control
All users can control this device via their smartphone or remote controllers which are included in the package. You get two of them and each one has three buttons. The remote controllers are durable and well-made.
- Sleep mode
If the Chamberlain power drive is not used, the entire unit will go to sleep mode. This mode saves more energy than you may expect. The entire system will use 1 Watt of electricity when in this mode. This is especially important for homeowners who don’t use their garage door openers every day.
- Tough and reliable
As we have mentioned, the chain mechanism here is tough and made to last for a long period of time. But, we will use this opportunity to add the fact the entire unit is made in this way. It comes with an industrial grade quality parts, so you don’t have to worry about any of the parts malfunctioning over some time.
- Simple installation
All the parts you are going to need in order to complete the installation are included in the package. You can expect to install the unit without the help of a professional. It is as easy as it gets.
- Impressive wall console
The console here is a modern part of the unit. It allows you to program the remote controllers easily and within a few seconds. It also makes the controlling the unit easier than ever and it is responsible for automatic light feature. Let’s just add the fact the console looks great.
- Auto light feature
Each time you use the device, it will activate the 2, 100 watt light bulbs. As you may know, this is an interesting feature which allows for the homeowners to enter their garage easier and safer during the dark hours. The feature is extremely reliable and it won’t fail after many years of use.
- MyQ Technology
As you may know, this feature allows you to control the unit using your smartphone. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
- Long range of the remote controllers
One of the smallest, yet very important advantage is the range of the remote controllers. They have a better range than most, the version used today. Soon we expect to see the same advantage implemented in other models made by Chamberlain.
- Auto-force adjusting
The system uses a set of sensors and an algorithm to analyze the weather conditions temperature and etc. in order to apply the most suitable closing force which is needed. This ensures that doors are closed perfectly at all times, regardless of the temperature and other factors. We can see the same feature on more expensive garage door openers.
- Tri-Frequency system
This system eliminates the interference of other devices which also use radio waves to operate. It is superb in modern and busy neighborhoods.
Product Critique
During our test, we encountered two issues with the unit. The first one is related to the noise, and it may be complicated to explain. The unit is reasonably quiet, but it is still louder than some equivalent models. In general, the noise level shouldn’t be an issue for most users, but keep in mind that it is present. Probably it will be the biggest issue for homeowners who used more expensive models earlier. If you are looking for very affordable garage door opener, this won’t be an issue for you.
The second drawback is the load limit. It is 300 pounds, which isn’t low, but the garage door opener won’t be able to open doors which are slightly heavier, like 320-330 pounds. In those cases, you will have to purchase a version with the 3/4 HP electric motor. They can lift up to 550 pounds.
Other than these two drawbacks, we haven’t noticed anything else which should be mentioned. This is a reliable, feature-rich garage door opener.
Safety and Security
As you would expect, the PosiLock System is implemented into the unit. What it does is keeps the door closed permanently until the owner opens them. The system is known to be one of the most reliable and the safest technologies used by garage door openers at the moment and it is more than just desirable.
2.0 rolling code technology is present as well. It sends a new code each time the garage door is open. This makes it impossible for the burglars to crack the code and open the door. Obviously, it is another safety feature which is worth considering and which is important nowadays.
Safety sensors are mandatory and standard for all Chamberlain garage door openers. Chamberlain power drive garage door opener will detect anything beneath the garage door and prevent closure automatically. This ensures that objects, children, and pets are not trapped beneath the door.
Installation and Programing
Installing the units is more than just easy. There are 5 Chamberlain PD612EV parts which need to be connected and you are done. The rail system is also known as 60-seconds install model because it requires around 1 minute to assemble all the elements.
Chamberlain PD612EV manual is helpful and there are plenty of well-explained steps which you will have to take in order to install the unit all by yourself.
In short words, yes, you can install this garage door opener all by yourself and you are not going to need plenty of time. Expect to complete this task within 2 hours.
Warranty and Support
Both warranty and support are above the average. You get a 10-year warranty on the electric motor, but without any doubt, it will last longer. The warranty for other elements is 2 years which is average. In other words, you get a long-lasting warranty regardless of the fact this is an affordable garage door opener.
Support is more than just ideal. You are able to contact them at any given moment via the phone or email and agents are more than just helpful. There are low chances that you will need to contact them, due to Chamberlain power drive manual, but if you must, expect a wonderful help at any given moment. And yes, the support is available 24/7.
Conclusion
The Chamberlain garage door opener model PD612EV may be affordable and small, but at the same time, it is one of the best models in this price range. It is well-made, durable, tough and it comes with almost all the features more expensive garage door openers have to offer. Yes, it is a bit loud, but considering the price, this isn’t a severe drawback! We must recommend this unit to all homeowners who need a garage door opener for garage doors with a total weight of 300 pounds and want to save money while they enjoy all sophisticated features.
Check out also our buyers guide to determine best buy garage door opener for you.
