Are you experiencing frequent power interruptions and finding yourself locked out of your garage? Your garage door opener is a common appliance affected by power outages. It can be frustrating when you cannot get into your garage to retrieve your car or other belongings.
There are a few things that you can do to open your garage door when such a scenario arises. This post will guide you on achieving this in a few simple steps. Read on to learn everything you can do to open your garage door when the power is out.
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Ensure the Door is Fully Closed
Garage doors have tension springs and cables that keep them open. If the door is not fully closed, it will be difficult to open without power. Forcing or trying a shortcut when the door is halfway shut can cause damage to the emergency switch and tension cables.
If the garage door does not fully close when you have power, avoid using it and call a professional immediately. Once fixed, you can open and lock the door manually. To ensure the door is in perfect working order, close it manually and check that the opener light does not come on. If it does, the door is not fully closed.
It is necessary to have your door in working order all the time. You may not be able to solve How to Open a Garage Door Manually When the Power Is Out when it is not in working order.
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Find the Emergency Release Handle
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The emergency release handle is a cord or bar located near the door’s lower hinge. It allows you to open the door manually during a power outage or other emergency. This handle also disconnects the opener to service it.
When there is a power problem, look for the emergency release handle and pull it to disengage the opener. You will hear a click when this happens. You can now manually open the door. If the door is difficult to open, you can use a broomstick or other long object to pry it open.
However, this step requires that you be on the inside of the garage. It is essential to have an access door from your garage to your house in an emergency.
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Manually Slide the Door Up
Once you have released the emergency handle, you can manually open the garage door. To do this, grip the garage door by the handle and slide it up. It is easy to do this if you have a roll-up door, as the door slides into a canister near the top of the doorframe.
If you have a swing-out door, it is still possible to open it manually, but it will be much more difficult. The door will be heavier, and you might need help to slide it up. Ask a friend or family member to help you open the door if necessary.
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Try a Manual Lock Key
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If you have a manual lock key, you can use it to open the door in the event of a power outage. This key uses a push-button lock that you can use to unlock the door in case of an emergency. It is on the front side of the door, near the handle.
Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the unlocked position. Once in place, open the door by pulling it towards you. If the key becomes stuck, turn it back to the locked position and try again.
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Use a Battery-Operated Door Opener
If you have a battery-operated door opener, you can use it to open the garage door when there is a power outage. This opener does not use electricity, and it will work during a blackout. It also comes with an emergency key you can use to open the door.
Most battery-operated garage door openers are automatic, so you will not have to pull the door open. Press the button on your opener, and it will automatically slide up. Some models also come with a remote control you can use to open the door.
Ensure you pick an opener compatible with your garage door motor. Not all openers are compatible with all motors. Also, check the battery life to ensure you have a backup plan in case of an emergency.
Charge your portable opener battery regularly to ensure it is ready for a power outage. If you have a remote control, ensure the battery has enough charge, too. One advantage of a battery-operated opener is that you can use it during a power outage without ruining your motor.
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Use a Portable Generator
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If you have access to a portable generator, you can use it to power your garage door opener. It is the best option when you do not want to disconnect the emergency release handle and open the door manually. It is also an ideal option to avoid damage to your garage door.
When using a generator, ensure to follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Also, never run a generator in an enclosed space like a garage. Doing so can lead to smoke inhalation and other dangerous consequences.
However, consider using a generator as the last option. It is a more expensive solution, and it might be difficult to find one when you need it the most. Also, if you are not familiar with generators, it is best to consult with a professional.
Summary
The garage is an integral part of a home. Access to your garage is vital all the time. Whether you intend to use it for your family car or as a storage space for holiday decorations, you need to have a way to get in and out of it.
If there is a power outage, the garage door can become a significant obstacle. Have a backup plan to access it and carry on with your routine without worrying about power outages. By having a spare opener, generator, or manual lock key, you can open the garage door when there is a power outage.
Author Bio: Rahul is a full-time content marketing specialist.He has been closely studying the travel industry trends for quite some time. He has worked for various domains before coming to the travel industry. When he is not working, Rahul likes to work out, try new foods, and play with her dog. Currently, he is modifying her garage door and getting her garage repaired by ETS Garage Door Team.