Do Garage Door Openers Have Batteries? (When to Replace Them?)

Battery-operated sensors are fast replacing the manual, motor-operated garage door system. From completing the door operations in case of a power outage to being convenient and long-lasting, battery-operated sensors are undoubtedly the crowning stroke of modern garages.

But do all garage door openers have batteries? If yes, how long do they last, and how do you replace them the right way without having to reprogram your door again? Let’s understand it all in this detailed guide.

No, not all garage door openers have batteries, as they are more common in newer models with belt-drive, screw-drive, or chain-drive openers. However, depending on its age and manufacturer, you can add a battery backup to your existing opener to improve its security and ease of use.

What Does a Battery Do in a Garage Door Opener?

• Completes the Operation on Power Failure: Traditional garage door openers generally work on electricity or DC motors that might fail to operate the door or get stuck in between when the power fails. In such cases, a battery backup works as an additional energy source, controls the door, and completes the required operations.
• Operates the Door During an Emergency: Batteries will keep the garage door opener fully functional and accessible until their battery discharges in extreme weather conditions, snow stiffness, or electrical emergencies.

Advantages of Garage Door Opener’s Backup Battery

• Durability: Backup batteries are highly durable and last for about 3-4 years without wear and tear. Moreover, since they automatically recharge themselves with the help of a cable present on top of the garage door opener, you won’t need to inspect them often.
• Automated Operations: Batteries operate the door openers in cases of a power outage. Thus, you won’t have to worry about the door getting stuck and pulling it down manually.
• Multiple Operations: Surprisingly, even after not being recharged for about 24 hours, a battery backup completes about 50 door operation cycles. Of course, the operation speed reduces slightly, and even the opener’s LED light goes off, but it still controls the door efficiently.
• Adaptability: You can even use batteries with your older garage door openers by adding on units like Chainmax 1000, TriloG, or IntelliG. These are highly affordable and do not need a superior replacement battery.
• Cost-effectiveness: Garage door opener batteries are highly affordable and cost an additional $35 to $90 with a new opener. Depending on their battery power, you’ll need to pay about $65$ to add batteries to your older garage door openers.

Which Garage Door Openers Have Batteries?

Newer versions of jackshaft, belt-drive, screw-drive, and chain-drive garage door openers with a DC (Direct Current) motor have batteries. Moreover, it’s not feasible to add battery backups to door openers with AC (Alternating Current) motors as they might explode and cause a fire hazard.

Generally, manufacturers use an 8500W battery with jackshaft openers, 8550W batteries with belt-drive openers, and 8360W batteries with chain-drive openers. However, you can even replace them with a 12-volt, 9-volt, or AA alkaline battery to save on costs.

Alternatively, you can even use a 3 V lithium battery for a longer shelf-life. But do all types of garage door openers need batteries?

1. Does a Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Have a Battery?

Yes, Chamberlain garage door openers have a K010A0020 – 3v lithium battery that recharges automatically and covers up to about 20 cycles in cases of power failure. These batteries will usually last for 1-2 years and might not recharge automatically later.

To conserve battery life, disconnect or remove the battery from the battery cover when you do not plan to use your garage.

2. Do Craftsman Garage Door Openers Have Batteries?

Craftsman garage door openers have a heavy-duty 12V battery that lasts about 1-3 years, depending on the quality and frequency of use. These batteries have a calcium grid and are, hence, more powerful and long-lasting. They can even be used for a commercial or insulated garage door.

3. Does a Liftmaster Garage Door Opener Have a Battery?

Liftmaster garage door openers have 12V lithium batteries with a replacement battery of 485LM. These batteries are not only maintenance—and vibration-resistant but also have low-pressure venting that maintains quality performance in case of power failure.

Types of Batteries for Standard Garage Door Openers

• 12V Alkaline Batteries: These tiny batteries are efficient, cost-effective, and even work in extreme climatic conditions and electricity problems. Moreover, they are made from premium quality materials and fit effortlessly into the battery compartment of smaller openers.
• AA Alkaline Battery: An AA Alkaline battery is environmentally safe and has fewer chances of leakage, hazard, or explosions. Moreover, these can even be used for a garage door remote battery and are much more durable and long-lasting than other acid batteries.
• Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries have a battery power of about 3v and are more popular for chain drive or belt drive openers that need lightweight, compact batteries. They are highly eco-friendly, high-energy, and low-maintenance, but they are fragile and may require a protection circuit for safety.

When Should You Replace the Garage Opener Battery?

Technically, garage door opener batteries typically last for about 1-3 years and will always show signs and symptoms before they dry out completely. This will give you ample time to get a new battery and rule out any chances of mishap during emergencies.

So, let’s take a look at the five signs of a dead battery.

• Weak Transmissions from the Garage Door Remote Control: You will need to replace the battery if your garage doors are operational when controlled with any wall-mount unit, but do not receive any signals from the garage door opener remote.
• Irregular Response to the Transmitter: A weak or inconsistent response to the garage door opener transmitter indicates a low-power or dead battery.
• Dim LED Light: Most openers have an LED light that flickers when receiving any transmission from the garage door opener remote. A weak battery will cause the light to be dimmer than usual.
• Battery Leakage: If a garage door opener’s batteries are left unused in the battery compartment, they will leak. Hence, if you see any liquid or powder coming out of them, it’s time to replace them.
• Old Battery: Any garage door opener battery has a maximum lifespan of three years. They might show signs of wear and tear, a malfunctioning safety sensor, and an unresponsive garage door keypad later. An old battery will also reduce the speeds of opening and closing the door and needs immediate replacement.

How to Replace the Garage Door Opener Battery Efficiently?

Replacing the garage door opener battery is not difficult. To begin, arm yourself with safety glasses, a screwdriver, and gloves for protection. Then, follow the procedure given in the steps below to replace the battery quickly.

• Disconnect your garage door opener from the supply board and unplug its main socket.
• Open the light lens and pull out the battery cover under it. Now, you will be able to see the battery compartment.
• Pull the battery compartment using a screwdriver, and remove your old battery from the socket.
• Disconnect both the red and black battery wires from the old battery and connect them to a new battery.
• Reinsert the battery in your battery compartment and slide it back into the opener.
• Plug your garage door opener into the power supply and test its operations using a garage door remote.

Do Battery Connectivity Issues Cause a Garage Door Opener to Malfunction?

Unfortunately, most garage door openers return to their factory settings due to battery replacement, lousy battery connection, or extended power outages. As a result, they might lose their sensor settings and level alignments, and you will have to reprogram them again for efficient use.

• Battery Replacement: Garage door openers forget the adjusted settings when you pull out the battery compartments to replace the battery. As a result, you’ll need to reprogram them every time you change their battery.
• Bad Battery Connection: Dirty or corroded garage door openers do not establish a proper connection with the battery and might trip off and malfunction during a power outage. Additionally, even damaged or weathered garage doors develop a poor connection with the battery and can malfunction easily. Hence, it’s better to call a professional for garage door repair or get a new garage door straight away.

Things to Look for When Buying Batteries for the Garage Door Opener

• Durability: Replacing opener batteries occasionally can be costly. Hence, choose a durable lithium or alkaline battery that lasts about two to three years. Also, choose a standard 12V battery for your residential garage door and a heavy-duty one for a commercial garage door.
• Voltage: Batteries with higher voltage inputs last longer than standard 3V batteries. However, they cost a little more and might not suit you if you are on a budget.
• Size: A garage door opener has two battery sizes, AA and AAA. Check your opener’s specifications and battery size before buying a new battery.
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: Renowned manufacturers often offer a 1-year warranty on heavy-duty batteries. They replace them in case of any leaks, mishaps, or explosions and are a safe option to prevent any accidental loss.

Battery backups are a savior for garage door opener operations in power outages and emergencies. While batteries require an additional installation cost and are not present by default with any opener, they are extremely handy.

Plus, they are affordable, compact, and durable and can adapt to most old openers. But if you don’t want to spend much on batteries, you can always choose some effective garage door alternatives.

Opener batteries last an average of 1-3 years and might cause your door opener to malfunction later. But it’s not only the batteries that have a definite lifespan; unfortunately, your opener, too, has an expiry date. So, how long do garage door openers last? Find out in my next blog!