Houston is a notoriously stormy area. When you are looking at all your home systems that could be affected, a question that should come up if you don’t already have one is: Should I have a battery backup for my garage door opener? Now, keep in mind, that from July 1, 2019, all newly made Liftmaster garage door openers come with a battery backup built-in (liftmaster.com). Yet a lot of Houston homeowners have older garage door opener models. So, is it worth the trouble of buying an extra battery backup? And what is a battery backup and how does it work?
Let’s take on the first question, is it worth the trouble? It’s important to note here, that if you Google this question, you’re going to get a lot of info about it being required in California after people getting trapped in their homes. Yet, if you live in the Houston area, and you are asking this question, it’s probably due to storms and hurricanes, not wildfires. However, the answer will be the same, yes, it is worth the trouble. Now, can you lift the garage door manually if the power goes out? Yes…yes you can. Yet if you are trying to come home in a storm and the power has gone out in your home, do you really want to get out in the rain to manually open your garage door?
The second question was what is a garage door battery backup and how does it work? Battery backups are 12-volt battery units that supply power to the garage door opener when the power goes out. The batteries can be distinct units connected to the motor that drives the door opener or are placed alongside the motor inside its housing. With LiftMaster and Chamberlain models, the battery will either be located in the motor housing or right on the outside of it. These batteries hold enough power so that you can use the door about 20 times on a single charge. A full charge takes about four and a half hours. It is important to note that some features like the garage door opener light will not work. Yet, your safety reversal system will stay connected to the system and operate on battery power as that is a required safety feature of the garage door.
Liftmaster Backup Power Integration
Now as stated from July 1, 2019, all newly made Liftmaster garage door openers come with battery backup built-in. If you just bought the home and are not sure whether your Liftmaster has a battery backup or battery backup adaptability, check on the motor housing, there will be a logo that indicates a battery backup is either already installed on the unit or that one can be added.
If you are thinking of purchasing a battery backup and installing it yourself, we suggest buying local from Parts 4 Garage Doors. Here is their listing for Battery Backups.
If you are looking to upgrade your garage door opener or need your backup battery installed, Spectrum Overhead Doors LLC has been installing and repairing garage door openers with award-winning service in the Houston area since 2006. Call 281-748-9542 or if you are closer to East Houston 713-557-3407 for a free quote today.