Should I get a garage door opener with battery backup?

For a new opener in California, battery backup is not optional; it is required on new residential installations. It is also useful on its own merits, especially in areas where outages are more common or where the garage is the main way in and out of the house.

What battery backup does

When utility power goes out, the opener switches to its battery so you can still open and close the door with the remote or wall control. How many cycles you get depends on the battery's charge and condition, and some models limit features while on battery power. It does not replace the manual release, which you should still know how to use safely.

Keeping the battery working

• Backup batteries wear out over time. Replace the battery when the opener signals it or when it no longer holds a charge, using the type the manufacturer specifies.
• Pay attention to warning beeps or indicator lights on the opener, which often mean the battery is low or needs replacing.
• After a long outage, give the battery time to recharge before relying on it again.

If your current opener has no backup

Older openers often lack battery backup, and not every model can add it. That can be one factor in deciding whether to replace an aging unit. See repair or replace an opener. We install openers with battery backup. Ask how to check and maintain the battery for the model you choose.

Read more

• LiftMaster battery replacement tips
• Garage door opener repair

Related questions

• Why did my garage door opener stop working after a power outage?
• Will a new opener make my garage door quieter?
• What size garage door opener does a large door need?
• Can I keep my garage door when replacing the opener?
• How do I choose the right garage door opener?

Have a different question? Call (916) 838-8182 or browse all garage door questions.