For IPhone disciples, Apple HomeKit includes not only smart features for your house, but your garage, too! The technology allows you to wireless control and monitor many different aspects of your home including how many lights are turned on, your home temperature, and what doors are unlocked. Same goes for your garage door.
And for those of us who are Android users, several other companies like Liftmaster MyQ and Nold Technologies, have developed devices that can universally connect to your garage door opener and allow you to operate the door with your smartphone or tablet.
The app allows you to grant access to specific devices so everyone in your home or business can open the garage if needed. Another interesting feature is the ability to grant time-limited access to other devices. You could theoretically use this to allow one-time entry in your building for a contractor or friend who has a smartphone.
Advantages of Smart Tech for Garage Door Openers
Whether you’re on the right or the wrong side of Apple vs Android (we won’t say who’s who), there are several advantages to making your garage smarter:
- Operate your garage door from anywhere without a remote.
- Monitor your garage door’s use from anywhere.
- Check the status of your garage door remotely.
- Restrict access to the garage door.
- Set up timed access for sensitive/expensive deliveries.
- Decrease wear and tear on the door’s opener and parts.
In all, you get safety, security, convenience, energy savings, longer life on parts – all from a bit of smart tech and a simple learning curve.
Don’t Forget the Battery Backup for Your Garage Door Opener!
If you’re considering any kind of upgrade with your garage door opener and your unit doesn’t already have a battery backup – this is your sign to (a) replace your opener with one with built-in power backups and smart features, or (b) have us retrofit a battery unit to your existing opener.
California Bill SB969, passed in 2019, requires all new garage door and garage door opener installs include these battery units as a public safety measure for escape during wildfire evacuations. And when it’s not life-and-death, it makes power outages way less inconvenient!Need help with your garage door opener or advice on smart features that make your garage safer, more user-friendly and energy-efficient? Give us a call!