Garage door remotes may be small, but they serve an essential purpose. It’s a common dilemma: many Kitchener homeowners find that one day their garage door remote works fine, and the next day it seems to have gone on strike. Usually, it’s not the remote so much as the weather.
The seasonal changes in Kitchener, whether it’s a cold winter or a super-humid summer, tend to affect the performance of garage door remotes. Here’s a closer look at how various weather conditions can affect your remote and what you can do to avoid problems.
Cold Weather and Garage Door Remotes
Battery Drain in Winter
Remote failure is one of the worst side effects of low temperatures. In this context, the decrease in both efficiency is due to the low temperature, as:
- Shorter signal range
- Delayed response
- Complete remote failure
Tip: If your remote acts up in the winter, start by replacing its battery. The lithium battery performs better than regular alkaline batteries at freezing temperatures.
Stiff Internal Components
In cold weather, internal parts in both the remote and the garage door opener can become stiffer, making them less responsive.
Heat and Humidity Issues
Overheating in Summer
Learn how extreme heat can harm a garage door remote’s electronic circuits if the remote is stored in:
- Parked cars
- Direct sunlight
- Hot garages
This could lead to an unstable signal or complete damage.
Moisture and Humidity
The body and spouts can corrode over time, which can affect the signal. Corrosion is caused by high humidity or a damp environment. This can lead to buttons becoming stuck or the remote not working at all.
Rain, Snow, and Moisture Exposure
Water is the enemy of a garage door remote. Tiny quantities of moisture can cause even rain or melted snow:
- Short-circuit internal components
- Weaken the remote signal
- Cause buttons to stop working
If your remote control becomes wet, remove the battery and dry it before using.
Signal Interference During Storms
Thunder and stormy weather can cause interference in the radio frequency signals used by your garage door remotes. This may cause:
- Reduced operating range
- Delayed door movement
- Inconsistent performance
After the storm has passed, the signal usually returns to normal.
Seasonal Expansion and Contraction
Garage door components shrink or expand with temperature changes, which can cause extra wear and tear on your opener. It can lead to the impression that the garage door opener isn’t operating properly, when in fact it’s the mechanical resistance within the garage door system.
When to Contact Garage Door Kitchener
If problems persist, it’s likely there is an underlying issue with your garage door opener, sensors, or receiver.
Garage Door Kitchener can assist you with:
- Garage door remote fix and swap
- Opener inspection and maintenance
- Signal and interference troubleshooting
- Weather-related garage door issues
Call Garage Door Kitchener now for speedy, courteous service you can trust, with complete repair work performed year-round!