If you’re pressed for time, the answer to the question we posed in the title is a resounding “yes”. That’s particularly true if you deal with power outages on a regular basis. However, there are other reasons that you should have a backup battery for your garage door opener, and we’ll discuss those below.
Why is a battery backup important?
There are many reasons why you might need a battery backup. If you live in the state of California, a new law took effect on July 1, 2019. This law requires that any new garage door sold or installed moving forward is required to have a battery backup. All homebuilders within the state are required to follow these regulations, as well.
Why was there a law passed? It really comes down to the incredible increase in forest fires and wildfires throughout the state. These fires led to a number of deaths, some of which were due to people being trapped in their garage and being unable to open the door because there was no power to the garage door opener.
Is this a risk for other areas of North America? It could be. As the impact of climate change becomes more and more pronounced, temperatures will begin to climb, and rainfall will decrease. This means that most areas of North America will begin to experience higher than usual rates of wildfires and forest fires.
Note that as California’s population is significant, garage door opener manufacturers like LiftMaster and Chamberlain, will probably begin to offer new options in terms of opener systems that include battery backups. The battery can also be integrated directly with the motor housing, or it can be added as an add-on and installed next to the motor.
As a final note, if the only way to access your garage is through the garage door, a power outage could mean that you have no way to get in. A battery backup is the only solution here.
The Need for Balance
Your garage door must be balanced at all times or you risk mechanical breakdowns and even injury or possibly death. Remember that a garage door opener does nothing more than what you can do on your own. A metal garage door usually weighs about 125 lbs. (57 kg) for a single door that measures 9 ft. x 7 ft., or 250 lbs. (114 kg) for a double door that measures 16 ft. x 7 ft. A solid wood door can weigh even more. Add in the weight of hardware, various door sections, and you end up with something that weighs quite a lot.
Your garage door’s spring system must counterbalance the door’s weight. When everything is balanced correctly, your garage door will only weigh between 8 and 10 pounds (3 to 5 kg), and you should be able to open it with a single hand.
Not sure if your door is balanced correctly? It’s simple to test. Just pull the emergency release handle to disengage the motor. Then, lift the door slowly. Do you have to strain to pull up? If so, your door is not balanced. If your door is not balanced, get in touch with us immediately. Never try to rebalance a garage door on your own. It’s very dangerous.
Battery Considerations
You’ll find that the battery backup for your garage door opener is pretty similar to any other rechargeable battery you might own. Depending on the system you have from LiftMaster or Chamberlain, the battery may be mounted within the motor housing, or it may be installed beside the housing.
A fully charged battery will allow you to open and close the garage door roughly 20 times. Once discharged, it takes about four and a half hours for the battery to recharge. In addition to the garage door opener, the battery will also provide power for the photoeye reversal system to ensure safety.
LiftMaster Models on Offer
Check your garage door opener. If it is relatively new and was manufactured by LiftMaster/Chamberlain, and it has a logo indicating that it is equipped with a battery backup, then you’re covered. It may also indicate that you can add a battery later if you decide to do so. Make sure that the opener is a DC (direct current) model, rather than an AC (alternating current) model.
Backup batteries are simple and easy to install. You’ll also find that new models come equipped with LiftMaster’s MyQ system, which allows you to operate your garage door with your smartphone.
Want to know more?
If you live in or near Orangeville or Mississauga, go ahead and get in touch with us now. You can call 1-800-957-5865. We are your garage door opener experts and we’ll be happy to explain your options when it comes to garage door openers, new garage door models, and more, all while ensuring we meet your budget and style needs.
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