Importance of Garage Door Battery Maintenance and Replacement

Homeowner opening door with garage door remote control fob

Maintaining the proper functioning of your garage door opener battery is crucial for the smooth operation of your garage door. Dead or weak batteries can lead to inconvenience and even pose potential security threats. Regular battery checks and replacements can help prevent these issues and ensure that your garage door operates safely and efficiently. 

In this article, we’ll look at how to replace your garage door opener remote battery.

Do garage door batteries need to be replaced?

Garage door opener batteries eventually need to be replaced. Batteries have a finite lifespan, typically around one to two years for garage door openers, and their performance may degrade over time. The battery in your garage door opener may need to be replaced sooner if you frequently use the opener or if you live in an area with extreme temperatures.

Now let’s look at how to replace the battery.

How to replace your garage door opener remote battery

Identifying the type of battery needed:

Before replacing the battery in your garage door opener remote, you need to identify the type of battery that your remote uses. The type of battery needed for your remote can usually be found on the back of the remote, in the owner’s manual, or on the manufacturer’s website. The Garolla Help Centre is a great resource for those with Garolla garage doors.

Most batteries used in garage door opener remotes are lithium batteries with a CR code, for example, CR2032, and CR2016. It is important to ensure that you use the correct type of battery for your specific remote as using the wrong type can damage the remote or cause it to malfunction. 

Once you have identified the correct battery type, you can purchase a replacement battery (using the CR code to find the right one) from a hardware store or online retailer.

Installing the new battery:

After identifying the type of battery needed, purchase a new battery from a reputable seller. Make sure to check the voltage and amperage of the new battery to ensure it is compatible with your garage door opener.

Open the remote control: You may need to use a small screwdriver to open the remote control. Locate the battery compartment and remove the old battery.

Install the new battery: Insert the new battery into the battery compartment with the correct polarity, typically indicated by a plus and minus sign. Be sure to secure the battery in place by closing the battery compartment cover.

Reprogramming the garage door remote:

After you have installed the new battery in your garage door opener remote, you will need to re-pair it to the garage door control box to ensure it works properly.

The exact steps for reprogramming your garage door remote may vary depending on the make and model of your garage door opener, so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

In general, to reprogram your garage door remote, you’ll need to locate the “learn” button on your garage door opener unit. Press and release the “learn” button, and then press and hold the button on your garage door remote that you want to program. You may need to hold the button down for a few seconds before the garage door opener unit recognises it.

Test the button on the remote, to check that it is working properly. If the garage door opens or closes, then you have successfully reprogrammed your garage door remote. If it doesn’t work, you may need to look over the owner’s manual to check you did it right and then repeat the process, or consult a professional for assistance.

How long do garage door batteries last?

On average, garage door batteries last between 1-2 years. However, the actual lifespan of your battery will depend on several factors, including frequency of use, temperature, and the quality of the battery itself.

How to maintain your garage door opener battery

Storage: To maximise the lifespan of your garage door battery, it’s important to store your garage door remote control in a cool, dry place and to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.

The right battery: Investing in a high-quality battery that is specifically designed for durability use in garage door openers will also help it maintain for longer.

Check the battery level: It’s a good idea to check your garage door battery regularly and replace it when necessary to ensure that your garage door is always functioning properly.

Keep the opener clean: Another good practice is to regularly clean the opener to remove dirt and dust buildup. This will prevent any damage to the opener and promote smooth operation.

Signs your garage door battery needs replacing

In this section, we’ll explore the signs that indicate it’s time to replace your battery.

Remote malfunctions

Perhaps the most obvious sign that your garage door opener needs replacing is when your garage door opener no longer responds to your remote. This could be due to a weak or dead battery in your remote or garage door opener. 

In many cases, the remote will stop working completely when the battery is completely depleted, so this can be a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement.

Garage door working slowly or intermittently

One of the signs that your garage door battery needs to be replaced is if the door opens and closes slowly. A slow-moving garage door can indicate a low battery or a garage door opener in need of maintenance. 

Similarly, if your garage door opener is only working intermittently, this can be a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. 

This can happen when the battery has started to weaken and no longer has enough power to consistently activate the opener. Intermittent issues can be frustrating, but by replacing the battery, you can restore your opener’s performance. 

Before replacing the battery, make sure to check for any other potential issues that could be causing the intermittent performance, such as problems with the opener’s sensors or a loose connection between the opener and the door.

Beeping sound

The beeping sound from a garage door opener can be a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. This sound may occur regularly or intermittently, but either way, it’s important to take notice of it. 

If you hear this sound, this may mean that your opener’s battery backup is low and needs to be replaced. It’s important to replace the battery as soon as you hear the beeping sound to ensure that your garage door continues to function properly and that you’re not left with a garage door that won’t open.

It’s worth noting that your garage door opener may not always make a beeping sound when it’s running low, so don’t use this as the only indicator.

Factors affecting the lifespan of garage door batteries

The lifespan of a garage door battery is determined by several factors. The main ones being, the usage of the door, temperature and humidity and battery quality. 

Door usage

The more often the door is opened and closed, the more power is drawn from the battery, reducing its overall lifespan. For example, if you’re using your garage door more than 5 times a day, it’s likely that it won’t last for the duration of the typical 1-2 year lifespan. 

Alternatively, if you only use your garage door a couple of times a week, it may well last longer than the 1-2 year typical duration.

Temperature and humidity

The temperature and humidity levels in the garage also play a role in battery longevity. Extreme heat or cold temperatures can reduce battery performance, while high levels of humidity can cause corrosion and other issues. 

Quality of the battery

The quality of the garage door battery is perhaps the most important factor when considering the lifespan of your opener.

Cheaper batteries may be more affordable initially, but they may not last as long or perform as well as higher quality, more expensive batteries.

Investing in a high-quality battery, such as the ones that Garolla provide, for your garage door opener can help ensure a longer lifespan for both the battery and the opener, which can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Choosing a quality provider

At Garolla, we specialise in manufacturing and installing high-quality garage doors across Ireland. Our doors come equipped with two remote controls and durable batteries that provide long-lasting remote battery life, ensuring convenience and hassle-free use.

Our electric roller garage doors are custom-made to fit your needs and preferences, from electric activation to thermal efficiency and are available in a wide range of colours. Our team of expert installers conducts both the initial survey and installation.

Check out our online garage door builder to visualise your dream door and get an estimate for your new garage door today.