Safety Sensor Maintenance: Cleaning & Testing Before Winter

As winter approaches, ensuring your garage door safety sensors are clean and fully functional is essential for the safety and reliability of your home. At Ace Overhead Doors, the leading automatic garage door company Chester, CT homeowners trust, we recommend a proactive approach to sensor maintenance before the cold sets in.

Garage door safety sensors are designed to prevent accidents by detecting obstacles in the door’s path. However, cold weather can introduce unique challenges:

• Temperature fluctuations can cause metal components to expand and contract, leading to sensor misalignment.
• Frost, condensation, and dirt can accumulate on sensor lenses, disrupting the infrared beam and causing malfunctions.

Neglecting sensor maintenance can result in unexpected garage door failures, which are especially inconvenient during harsh winter months.

1. Unplug the Garage Door Opener

Before any maintenance, always unplug your opener to ensure safety.

2. Inspect for Obstructions

• Remove any items, debris, or cobwebs blocking the sensor’s line of sight.
• Check for frost or condensation on the lenses, which can break the sensor connection.

3. Clean the Sensor Lenses

• Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe both sensor lenses.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the lens.

4. Check Alignment

• Ensure both sensors are facing each other directly and are mounted at the same height.
• Misalignment is common after temperature swings and can prevent the door from closing.

5. Test Sensor Functionality

• Plug the opener back in.
• Close the garage door and wave an object (like a broomstick) through the sensor beam.
• The door should automatically reverse if the sensors are working properly.
• If the door does not reverse, check for blinking indicator lights and realign or clean as needed.

6. Inspect Wiring

• Examine the sensor wiring for any visible damage or loose connections, especially near the terminals.

• Clean lenses monthly to prevent dirt and frost buildup.
• Install weatherproof covers to shield sensors from snow and debris.
• Schedule regular professional inspections with your local automatic garage door company in Chester, CT, for comprehensive maintenance and peace of mind.

If your sensors remain unresponsive after cleaning and realignment, or if you notice cracked housings or persistent misalignment, it may be time for a replacement. Modern sensors offer advanced diagnostics and improved reliability—ask Ace Overhead Doors about upgrade options.

Don’t wait for winter’s first freeze to discover a problem with your garage door sensors.

Contact Ace Overhead Doors, your trusted automatic garage door company in Chester, CT, for expert maintenance, repairs, and sensor upgrades. Stay safe and secure all season long.

Ready for a winter safety check? Call Ace Overhead Doors today to schedule your sensor inspection and ensure your garage door is winter-ready.