Garage door openers, like any electrical component, often fail during a power outage. This can be especially frustrating if you’ve just come home from work and are trying to get your car out of a violent storm. Understanding how to handle these situations saves time and stress.
Right Way Garage Doors recognizes that homeowners need reliable solutions for power outage operations. This guide will explain common garage door failures and provide steps to regain access during power outages.
Why Garage Doors Fail After Power Loss
Power outages affect garage door systems in several ways, leaving you with a completely non-functional door. Even when electricity returns after an outage, power surges can damage your opener’s delicate circuitry, leading to motor malfunction that prevents normal operation. Your garage door opener may also lose its programmed settings during extended outages, requiring a complete reset to restore functionality.
Modern garage doors include safety mechanisms that automatically engage during power disruptions to prevent accidents. These features can sometimes prevent the door from opening after power returns. Battery backup systems, while helpful, can fail if the battery is old or has not been properly maintained before the outage occurs.
Operating Your Door Manually
Every automatic garage door includes a manual release mechanism for emergencies. Look for a red emergency disconnect cord hanging from the track system near your opener motor.
Before pulling the release cord, follow these steps:
- Ensure your garage door is completely closed.
- Unplug the garage door opener from the electrical outlet.
- Use a flashlight to locate the red release handle safely.
Pull the cord firmly, but avoid yanking aggressively to prevent damage. Once disconnected, manually lift and lower the door using the handles on the bottom panel.
Securing During Extended Outages
Extended outages require additional security since automatic locks won’t function. Some doors include a manual safety lock feature, typically a slide latch located on the side of the door near the track. Engaging this lock prevents outside access, protecting your home and belongings. If your door doesn’t have this slide lock you can slide in a screwdriver above any roller through the track.
Getting Your System Back Online
Once power returns, reset the garage door opener to restore automatic operation. Close your door completely and pull the release cord toward the garage opening while lifting it slightly until you hear clicking.
Follow these steps to reconnect your garage door:
- Plug your garage door opener back into the electrical outlet.
- Test the door by running one complete open and close cycle.
- Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate garage door failures or damage.
- Verify that your remote control and wall button respond properly.
If reconnection fails, press your opener button to help the trolley lock into position.
Right Way Garage Doors: Power Outage Doesn’t Stop You From Anything
Understanding garage door failures during power outages helps maintain access to the garage when needed most. At Right Way Garage Doors, we provide repair and maintenance services to ensure reliable emergency performance. Our technicians install battery backup systems and upgrade safety features for better outage preparedness.
Don’t let garage door failures strand you during the next outage. Contact Right Way Garage Doors at (844) 658-8810 for expert services, keeping your home accessible no matter what comes your way!
