There are so many possibilities, but the first step is discovering the source for your RFI. You can start with identifying the easier sources, like those that are the closest to your garage door opener. Now it is time for a game of trial and error, remove objects or unplug those you suspect may be the problem of your radio interference.
Do this by removing one object at a time, but as you do so, do not plug in the last device again until you isolate the problem. This way you can easily discover what the error is and move forward to fix the problem
What can emit a radio frequency?
There is actually a lot of things that can cause interference with a garage door opener. Your garage door can be affected by a great number of objects you may have in your home. Some of the more common things include:
- Power Lines
- Airports nearby
- Cruise Ships, or military installations
- TV or Radio Towers
- Appliances that are near the receiver (within 15 feet) no matter if they are on or off
- Light Timers in your yard
- Doorbells that are wireless
- Christmas Tree Lights
- Computers
- Small appliances (like a clock radio)
- Motor Homes
- And more
How do you fix it?
You can fix errors to your garage door interference, or RFI by a few different methods. You can purchase filters that will reduce or may even eliminate the interference that is coming through power lines or even telephone lines. Another helpful tool is a surge protector that can prevent the problem in the first place. You can also consider changing out your garage door opener remote to see if the remote control is the issue. A higher quality remote can make the band narrower and get around the RFI noise in the background.
Switching out the radio’s frequencies can help you as well. Adding a coaxial antenna that is a good distance from the RFI source with a shielded cable that runs to the operator can help, but doesn’t always work.
Military Bases may be to blame
Due to the regulations set up by the FCC, you may have to deal with the errors for your garage door if it is due in part by a military base in the area. The garage door openers operate on a unlicensed basis, and this basically means that you as a user have to accept the interference due to military bases.
The same frequencies used on the military base are also used by law enforcement, firefighters and first responders. So these are also areas you want to make sure are not the cause of your garage door problems.
Worried about your garage door? Call The Garage Door Club!
We are here to answer your garage door needs and help you understand what is causing your garage door interference. We offer garage door repair, garage door installation and more. If you want to get your garage door inspected or if it is acting out of whack call The Garage Door Club at (877) 225-9989 today!