What happens if there is a power outage?
If your garage door opener has a battery backup, it’s no problem. If you don’t, it may be difficult to release the mechanism to open the door manually. You might require knowledge of how the mechanism works.
But, if you have a battery backup, you need to make sure the battery is in good condition, so it will work when you need it.
Why a Battery Backup?
Many garage doors do not have battery backups, so why should you have one? Here are some reasons why it’s a good idea:
- Power outage: If the power goes out, you can still get into your garage.
- Bad weather: When winter storms hit, power lines often go down.
- Emergency: If you have an emergency, you can always get your car out.
- Fire: If you have a fire in your home, you can open the garage door even if the power is down.
Do You Have a Battery Backup?
Battery backups are a relatively new addition to garage door openers, with Lift Master introducing the feature in 2006. Chamberlain, Sears, Clopay Door, Mastercraft and ShopMaster garage door openers are also re‑branded from Lift Master openers. Their models newer than 2006 should feature battery backups as well.
If your garage door opener does not include a battery backup, you unfortunately cannot simply add one to your existing opener. To benefit from the feature, you will have to purchase a brand new garage door opener.
If You’re Buying a New Opener, Opt for One with a Battery Backup
If a battery backup is optional, it’s worth getting one. The cost should be reasonable and if you are handy, you could fit one yourself. If not, contact your local garage door dealer and ask them to install one.
Fitting a battery backup will make sure your family can always open the garage door even when you’re not home.
Testing the Battery Backup
There are a few ways to know for sure if your garage door opener’s battery backup is working correctly or not.
- First, listen for a warning tone coming from the opener itself. This is an indicator that the battery life is low.
- Check the battery life indicator on the wall control panel. Depending on the type of opener, a low battery may be indicated by a light, or with a message.
- Unplug the garage door opener and test it. If you try to operate the door why the opener is unplugged and nothing happens, this is a sure indicator that the battery backup is not working properly.
If you find that the battery backup isn’t working or its life is low, contact your local garage door dealer for a replacement and installation.
A Backup Battery Makes Sense
Having a garage door opener battery backup makes a lot of sense. Power lines are frequently brought down by:
- Winter storms
- Heavy rain
- Tornados
- Hurricanes
A battery backup means you can always get your car out of the garage and in an emergency this could be a lifesaver.
For all your garage door needs contact us now. We serve York, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg areas.
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