Power outages may mean you have to manually lift your garage doors everytime you want to gain access or use. It sucks, I know. Most garage doors are dirty and some are extremely heavy and can hurt your back when lifted manually.
The good thing is you never have to manually lift your garage door, thanks to garage door opener batteries. Batteries have revolutionized how garage door openers work.
They brought convenience and operational safety to garage door openers. It is estimated that at least five deaths in the 2017 wildfire season could have been avoided if the garage door openers had battery backups.
However, batteries wear out and require replacement. Changing batteries is a simple DIY task that you can accomplish yourself. Here is how to change garage door opener batteries when they wear out.
Do I need batteries for my garage door opener?
Yes, you need batteries for your garage door opener. If you live in California, it is a legal requirement that all garage door openers must have battery backups. All garage owners in California must install garage door openers fitted with a battery backup.
Owning a garage door opener with a battery backup goes beyond fulfilling the mandatory legal requirement. Batteries are not a luxury but a must-have component for garage door openers.
Power outages are rare but inevitable. You don’t have to get shut from your garage nor do you have to lift the door manually when you have a battery backup.
Battery backups allow you to continuously operate your garage door opener when there is a power outage in your block. A battery backup can last you up to 24 hours or the equivalent of 20 opening cycles.
Other than fulfilling the legal requirement, here is why you should have a garage door opener with a battery backup:
- Safety – A power outage forces you to pull the cord and operate the door manually. This means safety features and components such as sensors are disengaged. You could easily end up shutting the door on your foot or pet while operating it manually without safety features. Suspending safety makes the garage an unsafe space endangering the lives of everyone in the garage.
- Security – Your garage door is the largest entry point to your home. Leaving it wide open and exposed for a long time makes it an easy target for people with bad intentions.
Your garage door opener loosens its security measures during a power outage. Functionalities such as automatic locks and cameras are disabled during such a time. Having a battery backup keeps it powered and running making your garage secure as always.
- Convenience – Imagine being locked out of your garage space just because there is a power outage. It sucks, right? Well, a battery backup keeps all the functionalities of the garage door openers running bringing back the convenience you’re used to.
How to Change Battery in LiftMaster Garage Door Opener
LiftMaster is among the top garage door opener brands in the world. Models from this manufacturer are highly sought after in the US and every other part of the world.
The brand is so popular and there is a very high chance that one in every three garage door openers in the US is a LiftMaster. In a recent survey by Statista, 50% of the respondents were LiftMaster users and would choose the brand again.
However, LiftMaster hasn’t conquered the world of garage door openers by mere luck. It is a blend of product-market fit and a variety of exciting features that have made the brand the go-to option for most garage owners.
LiftMaster garage door openers are very reliable for residential and commercial use. These garage door openers come with strong motors that will comfortably lift the heaviest garage doors around.
LiftMaster garage door openers are also very durable. These garage door openers last for over 15 years provided they are well-maintained and lubricated.
Most LiftMaster models are smart garage door openers with Wi-Fi connectivity. You can comfortably operate your garage door opener using your smartphone and smart devices. You can even connect your garage door opener with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice command operations.
There is so much to be desired in LiftMaster garage door openers. It is no surprise that the brand is top of the list for best garage door openers and a go-to option for garage owners.
Change LiftMaster Garage Door Openers Backup Battery In 6 Steps
Battery backup is among the top features of LiftMaster garage door openers.
Batteries keep the garage opener running during a power outage. Garage owners still enjoy the convenience of a garage door opener during a power outage.
However, just like any normal batteries, batteries used in garage door openers do wear out. They, therefore, require replacement over time.
Replacing the battery in a LiftMaster garage door opener is a simple task. You can easily do it yourself without any professional assistance. All you need is gloves, eye protection gear, a screwdriver, and a new battery.
To change the batteries in the garage door opener follow the steps below:
Step 1: Put on your protective gear and climb up to the garage door opener motor.
Step 2: Unplug the garage door opener from the main grid. Do not change the battery while the garage opener is still plugged in.
Step 3: Using the screwdriver, open and remove the light lens to access the battery compartment.
Step 4: Remove the battery compartment cover and remove the battery from the compartment. Disconnect the red and black wires from the terminals on the battery.
Step 5: Connect the wires to the terminals on the new battery. Make sure that each wire is matched to the right terminal. The red wire should be connected to the red terminal while the black wire to the black terminal.
Step 6: Insert the battery into the battery compartment and secure the battery compartment cover. Make sure the wires are not pinched. Plug back the garage door opener and give the battery time to charge before testing it.
The battery status LED should blink green to indicate that the battery is charging. The LED light is solid green to signify that the battery is fully charged. Charging the battery takes about 24 hours.
Step 7: Test whether the battery is working by unplugging the garage door opener and engaging the garage door opener using remote controls.
The battery status should be solid orange to indicate that the garage door opener is running on the battery. The LED flashes orange when the battery is low.
How to change battery in LiftMaster remote control
The batteries in your remote control need to be changed in about two to five years depending on how often you use the remote.
The remote control fails to work or works erratically when not adequately powered. Check and replace the batteries if it takes a few clicks for the remote to work.
You will need a visor clip or a screwdriver and the new replacement batteries. To replace the remote control batteries, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Use the visor clip to open the remote control case
Step 2: Remove the old and worn-out batteries and set them aside
Step 3: Insert the new batteries and make sure the positive side of the battery is facing up.
Step 4: Snap the case back together and test the remote control. Dispose of the batteries appropriately.
How to change battery in LiftMaster wireless keyless entry
LiftMaster gives you several ways to open and close your garage door including a wireless keypad. The keypad runs on a 9 volts battery that needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.
Replacing the 9V battery on your keypad entry is a simple task that you can easily accomplish yourself. All you need is the new replacement 9V battery and you are good to go.
To replace the battery on your wireless keypad, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Lift the lead to access the keypad. Slide the battery cover down to access the battery.
Step 2: Carefully disconnect the battery from its terminals. Do not use too much force to avoid tearing the wires.
Step 3: Connect the new battery and ensure that the terminals are in the right place.
Step 4: Put the connected battery back into its component and fix back the battery cover.
Step 5: Test whether the batteries are working. Enter your access code and press the start/stop button. Remember to dispose of the batteries.
How to Change Battery in Chamberlain Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain is a reputable garage door manufacturer and has produced some of the finest garage door openers in the market today. The brand produces reliable and durable models that are adored by most garage owners all over the world.
Chamberlain garage door openers are particularly popular for smart integrations that allow you to operate your garage door opener using your mobile phone. Other features include strength and reliability to lift heavy garage doors, compatibility with virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, and superior security features.
Most Chamberlain garage door openers come with a battery backup. The battery in a Chamberlain garage door opener needs to be replaced once every 1 to 3 years depending on the usage.
The garage door opener beeps every 10 to 15 seconds and the battery backup LED turns red to notify you to change the battery backup.
To change batteries in a Chamberlain garage door opener, follow the steps below: All you need is your protective gear, a screwdriver, and the replacement battery.
Step 1: Put on your protective gear and climb up to the motor of the garage door opener.
Step 2: Unplug the garage door opener and open the light lens to access the battery compartment.
Step 3: Using your screwdriver, remove the battery compartment cover. Pull the battery out and disconnect the red and black wires from the terminals. Be careful to avoid tearing the wires.
Step 4: Connect the black and red wires to the new battery. Ensure you match the right wire to the right terminal. Connect the black wire to the black terminal and the red wire to the red terminal.
Step 5: Insert the batteries into the battery compartment and secure the battery compartment cover. Do not pinch the wires.
Step 6: Put back the light lens and plug in the garage door opener. The battery status LED will blink green to indicate the battery is charging. The LED maintains a solid green when the battery is fully charged.
Step 7: Once the battery is fully charged, test the battery by unplugging the garage door opener. Activate the garage door opener using the remote control or the wireless keypad.
Step 8: Plug in the garage door opener.
How to change the battery in Chamberlain remote control
The batteries in Chamberlain remote control need to be changed in about two to five years depending on usage.
The remote control fails to work properly when it is inadequately powered. Check and replace the batteries if it takes a few clicks for the remote to work.
You will need a visor clip or a screwdriver and the new replacement batteries. To replace the remote control batteries, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Use the visor clip to open the remote control case
Step 2: Remove the old and worn-out batteries and set them aside
Step 3: Insert the new batteries and make sure the positive side of the battery is facing up.
Step 4: Snap the case back together and test the remote control. Dispose of the batteries appropriately.
How to dispose of used garage door opener batteries
Used batteries need to be disposed of carefully. Batteries should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. They pose the risk of exploding when disposed of improperly.
You can dispose of used household batteries by either sending them back to the manufacturer to recycle or sending them to independent battery recyclers. You can also check with the local solid waste authority on how to properly dispose of the batteries.
How much do garage door opener batteries cost?
Batteries used in garage door openers are quite affordable. The cost of the battery however varies with the brand of the garage door opener.
Batteries for LiftMaster and Chamberlain garage door openers cost around $40 to $100. Ensure you use the right battery just as recommended by the manufacturer. Do not go for a cheap unstable substitute that poses the risk of overcharging and exploding.
You can shop for original batteries from the manufacturer’s website, online stores, or licensed garage door specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions on how to change garage door opener batteries. Here are some of the frequent ones asked by garage owners all over the world.
Q: After how long should I replace my battery?
Batteries in garage door openers need replacing in one to three years. The garage door opener will beep and the battery status LED will turn red to notify you that the battery needs to be changed.
Q: How do I know my garage door opener batteries need to be replaced?
Your garage door opener will alert you when the battery needs to be replaced. The battery status LED normally turns solid red and the garage door opener will normally beep every 15 seconds.
Q: What does it mean when the battery status LED turns red?
The battery status LED turns red to notify you that the battery in the garage door opener needs to be changed. A red LED light is therefore a call to action to change the battery.
Q: How long do garage door opener batteries last?
LiftMaster batteries last between one to three years depending on the usage and battery care. Replace the battery when the battery status LED turns solid red.
Q: How long does a garage door opener remote battery last?
The batteries in the remote last about three to five years. The remote control uses 1.5V batteries that will typically last for up to five years depending on the usage of the remote.
Conclusion
Garage door openers sure bring convenience. However, that convenience comes to a halt when the garage door opener is not powered.
Sure power outages are rare, but they are not evitable. Batteries ensure that the garage door is powered up in case of a power outage in your block. They restore the convenience that every garage owner is used to.
Batteries offer more than convenience. They keep you safe and secure and are a mandatory legal requirement if you live in California. Having a garage door opener fitted with batteries could massively improve your garage experience.
Well, that’s it. I hope this article helps you shed some light on batteries and how to change garage door opener batteries. Remember to refer to your user manual or consult a garage door expert if the process seems a little complicated.
Leave me a comment below and let me know how it goes.
