Extreme weather has become more common over the last couple of years. This has resulted in a rise in power outages, which can cause garage door malfunctions. Since most homeowners enter their houses through their garages, it is critical to have a garage door opener with the ability to open during power outages.
A power outage isn’t just an annoyance; it’s also a huge safety and security concern. That is why you need to use any of the best garage door openers with battery backup reviewed below for this kind of scenario.
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Even though you can open your garage door manually, getting out of your car in the cold or in the middle of a rainstorm to lift and open your garage door by hand can be quite annoying not to mention a security issue. In other cases, time is of the essence.
For instance, when the power is out and you need to move your car out of the garage fast to escape a hurricane or a forest fire, you may not have the time to manually open your garage door.
Below we look at the best garage door openers that come with a battery backup and why you should consider them next time you are shopping for one.
Top Picks
5 Best Garage Door Openers With Battery Backup
How to choose a garage door opener
You should think about a few things before buying a garage door opener. Each type of garage door opener has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Screw drive, chain drive, belt drive, and torsion drive are some of the options we will cover today.
Chain drive garage door openers
The chain drive garage door opener is one of the most powerful types of garage door openers. Specifically designed to work with the heaviest garage doors, ranging from wooden to steel.
Even though the chains in these systems tend to stretch, some models have an automatic tension correction feature that adjusts the tension as it loosens over time.
Because of their large number of parts and the amount of maintenance required to keep them in excellent operating order, chain-driven openers are also the noisiest of the lot.
Screw Drive Garage Door Openers
Screw drive openers are quieter than chain drive openers. Models are available in all metal or with threaded plastic shafts for improved noise levels during usage. Screw-driven garage door openers are also more durable since they have fewer moving parts.
Torsion garage door openers
The Torsion garage door openers combine higher speed, silence, and strength to give optimal service while freeing up additional ceiling space for your garage. This is due to its unusual torsion shaft opener being situated either above or to the side of the garage door opening
These torsion-style garage door openers are great for people who have SUVs and other tall vehicles, as well as garage ceilings that are taller or lower.
Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
Rubber belts are used in these garage door openers to provide the quietest operation possible, which is essential for garages located near or beneath the living parts of a house. Belt-driven garage door openers are more expensive than other opening kinds, but they can be a good investment for your home.
The type of power your garage door opener uses, whether AC or DC, has a significant impact on how long you expect your garage door opener to live.
Although some AC models have this feature, DC openers often offer a soft closing and opening option that allows you to alter the speed of your opener’s opening and shutting cycles.
Many garage door openers are available in both AC and DC power, however, DC models require less power during operation, making them the better energy-efficient option.
6 benefits of using the best garage door openers with battery backup
If your garage door opener does not have a battery backup system in the event of a power outage, you should think about getting one. Here is why
Battery life is long and useful.
Battery backup systems are low-maintenance and can last up to three years without the need to be serviced. The wire connecting to your garage door opener charges the battery system.
There are no parts to maintain or fuel after it is installed. Depending on the model of your battery, you’ll be notified by a beeping or flashing light when it’s time to replace it.
Easy to use
The last thing you need to be concerned about in an emergency such as a power outage is your garage door opener. You do, however, need the assurance that you’ll be able to move your car in and out of your garage in an emergency.
There’s no need to manually disengage the door when the system is powered by a battery backup. Simply open and close the door as usual.
Capacity to open the door for an extended period
During power outages, most garage door battery backup systems enable around 50 door openings and closings. However, the door will open and close at a slower rate than usual to save battery life, and your opener’s work light will be turned off.
Customizable options
For compatible garage door openers, you can purchase battery backup systems as an add-on. Professional installation is preferred, but a homeowner can do it in some cases.
Affordability
Battery backup options are fairly affordable. Including a battery backup with the installation of a new garage door opener might cost anywhere from $40 to $100, depending on the garage door opener’s voltage.
Also, depending on the voltage and age of the opener, adding a battery backup to an existing opener might cost anywhere from $70 to $200.
Peace of mind
In the event of an emergency, a garage door opener battery backup can provide true peace of mind, as well as the assurance of always being prepared when bad weather strikes.
If your house loses electricity due to unforeseen circumstances, the emergency battery backup will take over and open and close your garage door as if nothing had happened.
Battery backups might be included as part of the installation of a new garage door opener or added to the existing garage door independently. If you already have a garage door opener that does not have a battery backup, there are aftermarket choices that just connect with your system.
The best garage door openers with battery backup: Review of top 5
Now that we know how to choose and the benefits of different garage door openers, let us look at the best garage door opener with battery backup
LiftMaster 8500W Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener with DC Battery Backup
- LIFTMASTER 8500W 2-893MAX remotes JACKSHAFT GARAGE DOOR OPENER MYQ ENABLED WIFI AND BATTERY INSTALLED
- 2 x 893MAX remotes (total)
- Power Deadbolt Lock
- Battery Backup
- Not compatible with roll up doors, low headroom track, wayne dalton torquemaster Must have a front mount torsion bar system
Get the LiftMaster Elite Series 8500W DC Wall Mount Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener for a silent, space-saving garage door opener with all of the current must-have features.
The LiftMaster 8500W is an all-in-one garage control system that maximizes overhead space. The revolutionary wall-mounted design creates additional ceiling space for bikes or bags. The ultra-quiet, yet powerful DC motor easily opens and closes doors weighing up to 850 pounds while virtually reducing noise and vibrations in nearby living areas.
The MyQ software with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to control access to your garage door, get notifications, and establish routines from your smartphone or tablet.
The Security+ 2.0 remote control radio technology extends the range of the remote control and sends a new code with each click. Easy to use interface for quick and simple setup. Plug-and-play accessories can be installed more efficiently with simplified wiring.
The antenna is carefully hidden inside the unit, and the wires pass cleanly through the back of the unit. Other important safety and security features of the LiftMaster 8500W include auto-reverse sensors, a timer-to-close function, and motion-activated illumination. With the myQ app, you can control your garage door from anywhere.
When the power goes out, the LiftMaster 8500W Battery Backup allows you to open and close your door as if nothing happened. Depending on usage and adequate battery care, the battery within the garage door opener can last one to two years.
It’s simple and just takes a few minutes to replace the battery when the battery status LED indicates that it needs to be replaced.
Pros
- Battery backup
- Ultra-quiet
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not be compatible with prior unit
LiftMaster 87504-267 WLED DC Battery Backup Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
- Built-in camera adds video and 2-way audio communication to the myQ app.
- Control, secure and monitor the garage with the myQ app anytime, from anywhere.
- 360° light ring uniformly brightens every corner of the garage with 2,000 lumens of long-lasting LED light.
- Battery backup lets you get in and out when the power is down. Belt sold separately.
- Ultra-quiet DC motor and strong belt drive system ensures for comfortable living spaces near the garage.
The LiftMaster WLED DC battery backup belt drive garage door opener is well-equipped. When compared to chain-driven garage door openers, it is extremely quiet.
It has a DC battery backup that allows you to access your garage and car in the event of a power loss, as well as powerful LEDs that illuminate every angle and corner of the space.
In addition the built-in Wi-Fi and the MyQ app allow you to see and manage the status of the door closed or open, and for how long from your phone.
Pros
- The operation is silent and smooth.
- Very quick to respond.
- Strong LED light
Cons
- Does not support Alexa voice control
- Subscription fees for Google Assistant and IFTTT are required.
Liftmaster 8550WLB DC Battery Backup Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
The LiftMaster 8550WLB is the quietest opener in the lineup. Even if the power goes out, the garage is accessible thanks to the built-in battery backup.
The myQ app can be used to control the door. This allows you to open or close the door from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or tablet. Very practical in case of an oversight or to provide a family member or a professional working in the house access to the garage.
A lifetime warranty is included in the dependable warranty. Every time the remote control is used, Security+ 2.0 rolling code technology ensures that a fresh code is sent. When the garage door is closed, the patented PosiLock mechanism guarantees that the door remains securely shut.
Project an invisible light beam across the garage door opening, and the door will immediately reverse if the beam is interrupted while the door is closing.
If the door comes into contact with a person or an object, sensing technology will prevent it from shutting. When the infrared beam of The Protector System is interrupted, the opener light turns on automatically.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Auto-reverse feature
- Very durable
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Does not support Alexa voice control
Genie 7155-TKV Battery Backup LED Connect Garage Door Opener
- Genie Smart Garage Door Openers Work with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery: Genie smart garage door openers now allow you to choose to have Amazon packages or groceries delivered inside your garage with the Aladdin Connect App and Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery.
- STRONG AND QUIET: The 1 1/4 HPc DC Motor on the Stealth Drive Connect smart garage door opener is paired with a steel-reinforced belt drive making this garage door opener perfect for garages that are attached to bedrooms and/or nurseries.
- SMART GARAGE SYSTEM WORKS: The Integrated Aladdin Connect smart technology allows you to monitor, open and close your garage door from anywhere with your smartphone. You can also open and close your garage door with voice control, and have packages left in your garage with In-Garage Delivery.
- BATTERY BACKUP INCLUDED: The Stealth Drive Connect smart garage door opener, has an integrated battery backup that allows for this Genie garage door opener to be used when the power is out.
- EASY TO INSTALL: This smart garage door opener features a strong 5-piece rail system that snaps together for easy installation. It’s lightweight with no added hardware needed. Plus, this smart garage door opener works with BILT intelligent 3D interactive instructions, for extra easy assembly
This Wi-Fi-enabled Genie wireless garage door opener ensures smooth functioning. The ultra-quiet belt drive opening provides for silent and smooth movement, and Alexa and Google Assistant connectivity enables hands-free operation.
This Genie wireless garage door opener has a battery backup system for continuous power, as well as integrated LEDs for lighting. The Genie battery backup LED connect garage door opener complements your existing garage in a pleasing way.
The wireless multifunction wall console and wireless keypad are designed for easy DIY installation and enable comfortable everyday use. When the main power goes out, you can still operate the garage door thanks to its backup battery.
The wireless multifunction wall console and wireless keypad are designed for simple DIY installation and enable comfortable everyday use. You can ensure your family’s safety thanks to the Garage door safety sensors.
It uses a Belt drive with a 1.25 HP ultra-quiet motor. This Provides low noise, making it perfect for garages that are close to living areas. The garage is illuminated by strong integrated LED lighting.
Using simple voice instructions, you can open or close your garage door. The Aladdin Connect software with integrated Wi-Fi allows you to manage and monitor the garage door from your smartphone or tablet.
Pros
- iOS and Android support
- Safety sensors LED lighting
Cons
- May not be compatible with prior unit
Frequently asked questions about garage door openers with battery backup
Is it possible to upgrade my garage door opener to include a battery backup system?
Yes, you can. A garage door distributor or the homeowner can install the battery backup system. It is charged and powered via a connector cord that connects the opener to the device, avoiding the need to plug it into an outlet.
What is the average lifespan of a garage door backup battery?
The battery in the garage door opener can last anywhere from one to two years, depending on usage and battery care. When the battery status LED indicates that the battery needs to be replaced, it’s simple and takes only a few minutes.
Are Battery Backup Garage Door Openers worth it?
If you’re wondering if a battery backup for your garage door opener is a good idea, the answer is yes. This is especially true if you are constantly dealing with power disruptions.
Is it possible to recharge a LiftMaster battery?
The battery in your Chamberlain or LiftMaster door opener is integrated with the motor casing or mounted near it, much like any other rechargeable battery. Each battery has enough power to open and close the garage door at least twenty times. It just takes about five hours to recharge.
Wrap up
In this article, we have covered the best garage door openers with battery backup. This post should hopefully make the decision-making process much easier. Before making a purchase, you should ask as many questions as possible to ensure that you receive a garage door opener that will operate in your specific situation.
Hi Jason, I enjoyed reading your article and I have questions if you don’t mind. I think having a battery back up on my garage door opener is a good idea. I am 80 years old and when we had a power failure here in Sacramento, California I was trapped in my garage which prevented me from going to the doctor. This is when I started researching getting a batter backup. I called the two companies who have been servicing my opener and without knowing who I was or where I lived, they both told me a battery backup could not be installed to an existing open and that I would have to buy a new opener. They didn’t know who I was, so they didn’t know what brand of opener I had which is a Craftsman. I would like to keep my present opener because I have many remote controls due to my age and if I bought another opener, I would have to replace them all. I can’t attach a battery backup myself. I will have to pay someone to do it for me. Will you please advise me as to what to do? Thank you for your help.
Hi Jason, I enjoyed reading your article and I have questions if you don’t mind. I think having a battery back up on my garage door opener is a good idea. I am 80 years old and when we had a power failure here in Sacramento, California I was trapped in my garage which prevented me from going to the doctor. This is when I started researching getting a batter backup. I called the two companies who have been servicing my opener and without knowing who I was or where I lived, they both told me a battery backup could not be installed to an existing open and that I would have to buy a new opener. They didn’t know who I was, so they didn’t know what brand of opener I had which is a Craftsman. I would like to keep my present opener because I have many remote controls due to my age and if I bought another opener, I would have to replace them all. I can’t attach a battery backup myself. I will have to pay someone to do it for me. Will you please advise me as to what to do? Thank you for your help. ronaldrogers@surewest.net