Due to horrible circumstances in California, a new law has been passed there. We have had some of the worst wildfires in history the past few years, and many people have been killed or injured due to these happenings. It is at times like these that we must try to find something that we can do to alleviate the effect that these tragic fires can have on people. It is now when we pass laws and invent new things that advocate for the safety of our people. So, California passed a law that states that all garage door openers that are sold or installed in the state must be equipped with a functional battery backup. This is so that, in case of emergency, you can still use your electric garage door opener without the emergency release being pulled. Even though the law is only in California, this is advice that people all over our nation can take to heart. Maybe it’s time to consider getting a battery backup garage door opener.
The emergency release is equipped on every battery backup garage door opener, but the release cord can be very difficult to reach if your car is in the garage. In order to be able to get to the cord, you may have to get a tall step stool, or ladder and set it up in the garage as close to the opener as possible. If the power is out, then it would be next to impossible to open the door if you weren’t able to get to the garage door release cord. Having a battery backup ensures that you would be able to open and close your door no matter if the power from the house is connected or not.
The biggest drawback to a battery backup is often the cost. These openers cost about $100 more than a garage door opener without a battery. The biggest difference between the openers is usually the battery. So it’s a valid question to ask why a battery would be worth the extra $100. I think that the biggest reason to spend the extra money is in the name of safety. You might never need the battery to kick in. You may always have power, and never have an emergency that causes you to leave when the power is out. But you also might. In the midst of these emergencies there are many moving parts. You will probably be getting supplies together, valuable items, and figuring out where to go and who to call. The last thing you are going to want to have to focus on is how to open your garage door.
Of course there is the ease of the electric garage door opener too. I have a young family, so making things easier is often a high priority for me. It is SO MUCH easier to press a button than it is to find a ladder, set it up, and scurry up to pull the release cord, put the ladder back, open the door, and then FINALLY leave!
So safety and ease. The perfect combination right? In the name of perfection, I think $100 is a perfectly reasonable price to pay.