Garage Door Remote Control FAQ
Posted by Charlene Pepiot on 30th Aug 2023
Remotes are a staple of any garage door system that can operate a door from the convenience of your car. However, not all garage door remotes are created equal, and different models have different features and compatibility. That's why our experts have laid out some of the most popular remote-related questions we've received. Read on to learn the different types of remotes, how to replace them, the general cost of top selling brands, and more.
How to Know a Remote Needs Replaced?
Just because a remote isn’t operating a door, that doesn't necessarily mean it’s broken and needs to be replaced. If you notice yourself having to click the same button multiple times to get a reaction, or are not getting a reaction at all, first make sure you are within range of your garage door opener. If that fails, it may be that your battery is low. Change the batteries and try again. If that doesn’t work, make sure that no objects are disturbing the remote’s signal to the garage door operator. If new batteries and a clear path from the remote to the operator do not fix the issue, a replacement may be in order. Luckily, there’s a wide range of universal remotes to choose from that will work regardless of the opener brand you have!
What is a Universal Remote?
A popular style of remote is the “universal” variety. These remotes are manufactured by multiple companies and are compatible with all or most newer garage door models, regardless of the brand. However, older garage door openers may not work with universal technology. To check if an opener is compatible, look for the manufacturer and model of your garage door operator which is located on the motor unit. Different brands of operators will have different compatibility indicators, which are commonly found in their instruction manuals.
If you don't know the model number, so long as it's relatively new, it will likely be compatible with most universal garage door remotes.
Are All Garage Door Remotes Universal?
No. Garage door manufacturers make specific replacement remotes for each model of opener with limited compatibility. If you have multiple doors with different openers installed it may be worthwhile to purchase a universal opener for convenience.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Remote?
The price of a replacement garage door remote can vary, depending on the brand, model and functionality. They include basic Chamberlain and LiftMaster models ($20-30) and garage door openers with keyless entry keypads and security features ($35-40). Universal remotes can range from $20-45 and higher.
Additional Garage Remote Features
Depending on the model, remotes can have a wide range of features. Many have several buttons that can operate multiple doors while others can also control the lights in a garage. Some even have a flashlight installed!
Remote Styles Garage door opener remotes come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to fit a variety of lifestyles. Some remotes have a clip that allows them to be fixed on a car or article of clothing. Others are designed to be small enough to be hooked on a keychain or are attached with a lanyard.
Need More Information about Garage Door Openers?
Please ask! Our in-house experts can help you with all of your garage door questions. Get in touch with our support crew:
- Call: 800-783-6112
- Email: support@northshorecommercialdoor.com