The importance of a good home security system cannot be overstated. In a day and age when home invasions are commonplace and burglaries are everyday occurrences, a homeowner can never be too careful. One of the biggest leaks in a home security system comes from the garage. This is where a good garage door opener system can come into play to not only help with security, but also to add to convenience.

When the convenience of a garage door opener is desired, homeowners have several different basic styles to choose from. These can vary in price greatly, but they all serve the same purpose. The types are the basic chain drive, then the screw drive, and the most advanced, the belt drive. All work on primarily the same principles and are meant to take the burden of lifting a heavy garage door off a person.

The chain drive is generally the cheapest of the options. It works using a metal chain on a trolley to open the door. Simple and affordable, this device does its job, but typically is pretty loud.

The screw drive falls in the middle, when it comes to pricing. This one works by lifting the door with the help of a steel rod. It's a slow mover, which can be good when small children and pets are in the home, but with more modern upgrades, it tends to be more quiet than the old fashion chain drive.

The belt is considered the top of the line in garage door openers. This one uses a rubber belt system to lift the door and return it to its place. It's considered the best because of its quickness, lack of noise and reliability. It costs the most, though, so keep that in mind.

No matter the style of garage door opener you end up going with, there are some things it should include to be considered good for security and more importantly safety. Garage doors are perhaps the most heavy single item in a home. Inasmuch, these things can be dangerous - very dangerous. More than one pet and even person has been crushed by the weight of a garage door. A good opening system can make this hazard go away almost completely.

When looking at garage door openers, be certain the one you're interested in has an automatic reverse feature. This device will sense an obstruction on the floor under the door and automatically pop the door back open rather than crushing the object below it. This is a feature that cannot be stressed enough in homes with small children, plus it can protect belongings and even vehicles from garage door damage.

And while the auto reverse is a necessity, a simple lighting system and remotes should not be overlooked either. A good system comes with at least two remotes. The best systems have everything necessary - remotes, auto reverse - and come with brain boxes that have lights included. This means when the door is opened or closed, a light comes on in the box that illuminates the garage. This is very important for safety and shouldn't be overlooked. Ever try fumbling for a light switch in a dark garage that's also used for storage?

A good garage door opener can really enhance a home, its security and the ability for the garage to be used to its maximum potential. No one wants to deal with opening and closing a heavy garage door.