Introduction
Whether it's the seamless operation of your automatic garage door or the secure access of your gate, a functioning battery is the unsung hero. Join us as we uncover the simple steps and crucial insights to ensure uninterrupted convenience and security for your home.
Garage and Gate Battery Replacement
As part of the home maintenance services at Home+, we’ve seen an increasing demand for garage door and gate battery replacements in the past year. The need for these replacements has grown as a result of extended periods of load shedding South Africans have experienced. With these power outages becoming a regular occurrence, it’s crucial to understand how this phenomenon affects your garage door battery and the best practices for managing the resulting impact.
The impact of load shedding on your batteries
For garage doors and gates, this means the systems switch over to battery power more frequently, resulting in faster battery drain and a shorter overall lifespan. The constant flux has a draining effect on the batteries.
Why quality batteries matter
A well-functioning garage door or gate battery is essential for maintaining security and convenience. This battery plays a significant role in ensuring the smooth operation of your garage door, especially during load shedding when it’s relied on more heavily.
Signs your garage door battery is affected
- Slower Door Operation: Your garage door might open and close slower than usual, an early sign of a depleting battery.
- Remote Control Failure: If your garage door remote fails to operate the door, this could indicate that your battery is running low or is completely drained.
- Door Stopping Midway: If your garage door stops midway during opening or closing, this could suggest a battery issue.
- Beeping Sounds: Garage door systems often emit a beeping sound when the battery backup is low.
Replacing your garage door battery
In response to the increased load shedding, you might find yourself needing to replace your garage door battery more frequently. Here’s a guide on how to do it:
Identify battery
The type of battery required can vary depending on the make and model of the garage door opener system. Here are some common types of batteries you may come across:
- Alkaline Batteries: These are perhaps the most common type of batteries found in a range of household devices. They come in standard sizes like AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V, and they are known for their long shelf life.
- Lithium Batteries: Lithium batteries offer high energy density and a long lifespan. They are typically the coin-shaped lithium batteries, often with a CR designation (e.g., CR2032 or CR2016).
- Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries: These are rechargeable batteries that are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, they have largely been phased out in favour of NiMH and Lithium batteries
- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries:They provide a higher capacity than Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries and don’t suffer from memory effects.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These batteries are often used in cars, backup power systems, and other heavy-duty applications. They’re known for their reliability and ability to deliver high current. In the context of garage door openers, some systems might use a lead-acid battery as a backup power source.
It’s crucial to use the correct type of battery for your garage door opener to ensure it operates correctly and to avoid potential damage. Always refer to your owner’s manual or consult with the manufacturer.
After you have identified the correct battery, what’s next?
- Purchase and install: Buy a new battery from a reputable seller, then replace the old battery, ensuring you observe the correct polarity.
- Reprogramming: You may need to reprogram your garage door remote after a battery replacement. Follow the instructions provided in your owner’s manual.
At Home+ we provide you access to 100s of accredited artisans, including electricians and handymen who can help you out to replace your batteries. It’s easy, just download the app and sign-up or book a job online, we’ll have your garage door or gate up and running in no-time!
Things you should know about batteries
Understanding how to optimise your garage door battery can help mitigate the effects of load shedding. Here are a few tips:
- Invest in quality batteries: Quality batteries offer a longer lifespan and better performance.
- Regular check-ups: Regularly monitor your garage door battery’s performance and replace it as necessary.
- Proper storage: Storing your garage door remote control in a cool, dry place can help prolong the battery’s lifespan.
- Clean the opener: Regular cleaning of the garage door opener can prevent dust and dirt build-up, ensuring smooth operation.
To sum it up
Understanding the impact of load shedding on your garage door battery is the first step to managing this challenge effectively. At Home+, we’re committed to helping you navigate these difficulties. Share your experiences with us or reach out for professional advice or services, and together we can work towards maintaining your home’s security and convenience, even during periods of load shedding.