A functional garage door is a convenience and an added security measure but is often overlooked and underappreciated. While garage door openers primarily rely on a main power source for operation, having a backup battery is crucial to ensure functionality during power outages. Without proper care and battery maintenance, even this backup system could fail when needed most.
Over time, backup batteries run for a shorter period of time during a power outage or completely fail to operate due to their limited charging capacity.
Most back-up batteries will run for 5-7 years before complete failure at which time they should be replaced. However, a regular replacement every 5 years should prevent the battery from having inconvenient breakdowns. So, how do you maintain them between replacements? Follow these tips to ensure the maintenance of your garage door opener batteries.Regularly
Regularly checking your backup battery’s performance can help you maintain its seamless operation during an outage. Doing so also reveals potential issues before they become major problems.
To check your garage door opener battery, unplug the electric opener from the main power source to simulate a power outage or safely turn off the opener using the breaker. You may also refer to your owner’s manual for further information.
Once you simulate a power outage try operating the opener on battery power to check for Inconsistent performance or failure to open/close
Generally, you can perform a quick check every year to stay on top of battery health. Keep a note in your calendar as a reminder!
Once the contacts are dry, carefully place the battery back in its compartment, ensuring it is properly aligned. Restore power to the garage door opener.
Some batteries last up to seven years, especially if there are only a few outages. But just to be sure, or if your test results aren’t that good, it’s better to change them at least once every 5 years.
It’s easy to overlook the maintenance of your garage door, its opener, and even its backup batteries. The good news? It’s even easier to prevent inconveniences. Just prepare a maintenance schedule and follow the rest of our tips for better garage door longevity and operations.
Feel free to consult a professional at The Door House if you’re unsure about what to do with your garage door opener battery. Contact us today to schedule a service.