Should I get a battery backup for my garage door opener in case of power outages from Ottawa ice storms?

If you have lived through even one major Ottawa ice storm, you already know the answer is probably yes. Ottawa averages several significant power outages per year, and the ice storms and windstorms that cause extended outages tend to happen in the exact conditions where you most need your garage to work, cold weather when your garage door is likely your primary way in and out of your house.

There are two ways to get battery backup for your garage door opener. The first is to buy an opener that has battery backup built in. The second is to add an external battery backup unit to your existing opener.

Built-in battery backup openers have become standard in the mid-range and higher models from major manufacturers. The LiftMaster 8550W and Chamberlain B6765 are popular models that Ottawa installers carry, and both include an integrated battery that kicks in automatically when power goes out. These units cost $400 to $700 installed, which is only $50 to $150 more than the equivalent model without battery backup. The integrated battery typically provides 20 to 50 full open-close cycles on a full charge, which is enough to cover most Ottawa power outages that last a day or two.

Adding an external battery backup to an existing opener is also possible but the options are more limited. LiftMaster makes the 485LM battery backup unit designed to work with their openers, and it costs $150 to $250 including installation. Some universal backup systems exist but compatibility can be hit or miss, so check with your opener manufacturer before buying. If your current opener is more than eight to ten years old, it honestly makes more sense to replace it with a new unit that has backup built in rather than retrofitting, because you get the backup plus all the improvements in motor technology, safety features, and smart connectivity that have come along in the past decade.

The batteries in these systems are sealed lead-acid or lithium-ion, and they do degrade over time. Expect to replace the battery every three to five years at a cost of $40 to $80 for the battery itself. The system charges the battery continuously when power is on, so you do not need to think about it until the battery reaches end of life. Most units have an indicator light or will send a notification to your phone if the battery needs replacement.

During a power outage, the opener operates normally on battery power but usually at reduced speed to conserve the charge. The door opens and closes, the lights work, and the safety sensors still function. Some models limit the number of cycles per hour on battery power to extend the backup duration.

The alternative to a battery backup is the manual release, which every garage door opener has. You pull the red emergency release cord hanging from the trolley, which disconnects the door from the opener, and then you lift the door manually. This works fine in theory, but there are practical problems in an Ottawa winter. If the door is frozen to the ground or the springs are not properly balanced, lifting a heavy garage door manually is difficult and potentially dangerous. If you are elderly or have mobility issues, it may not be feasible at all. And if the power is out because of an ice storm, you are dealing with this in the dark and cold.

For most Ottawa homeowners, the cost of battery backup is modest enough that it is worth having, especially if your garage is your primary entry to your home. The peace of mind during the November-to-March storm season alone justifies the $50 to $150 premium on a new opener with backup built in. If you already have a relatively new opener and just want to add backup capability, the $150 to $250 for an add-on unit is reasonable insurance against the inconvenience and potential safety issues of being stuck with a non-functional garage door during a multi-day outage.

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