If your garage feels a little too dark or your garage door opener isn’t working right, the problem might be simpler than you think—it could be your garage door opener light bulb. Let’s shed some light on the best types of bulbs to use, how to change them, and why not all bulbs are created equal for this job.
What Is a Garage Door Opener Light Bulb?
A garage door opener light bulb is just that—a light bulb that fits into the socket of your garage door opener. These bulbs turn on automatically when you open or close your garage, giving you some extra visibility when you pull in or out. Most openers are built with a bulb socket or two as part of the unit.
But here’s the twist: some light bulbs can mess with the garage door opener itself. That’s especially true for certain LED bulbs.
Why Some LED Bulbs Cause Trouble
Many people switch to LED bulbs because they last a long time and use less energy. But in garage door openers, some LED bulbs can give off electromagnetic interference (EMI). That interference can mess with the opener’s remote control signal. Translation? Your garage door might not open or close when you press the button.
The reason this happens is because some LED bulbs emit radio frequency signals that operate on the same wavelength as garage door opener remotes. This interference can confuse the signal, making it seem like the remote isn’t working. In reality, the light bulb is jamming the signal.
Not all LED bulbs are bad for openers. Some are designed to block EMI and work just fine. The key is to pick one made for use in garage door openers.
What Light Bulb Works Best in a Garage Door Opener?
Here are some safe picks:
- Rough service incandescent bulbs – These are built to handle vibration and heat. They work well in most garage door openers and are an old-school but reliable choice.
- LED bulbs made for garage door openers – These won’t interfere with remote signals. Brands like Genie and Chamberlain sell their own low-EMI models that are tested for garage door use.
Avoid these:
- Cheap or generic LED bulbs – These are often the ones that mess with the opener. They may save you money upfront, but the headache isn’t worth it.
- CFL bulbs – Compact fluorescent bulbs may also cause interference and don’t do well with temperature changes in the garage. They tend to flicker in cold temperatures and are slower to reach full brightness.
Some manufacturers also provide a list of bulbs that are tested and approved for their specific garage door openers, so it’s worth checking your manual or their website.
How to Change the Light Bulb in Your Garage Door Opener
Swapping out the bulb is usually pretty easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the power – Unplug the garage door opener or switch off the circuit breaker. This keeps you safe from electrical shock.
- Remove the cover – Most openers have a lens or cover over the bulb. Gently take it off—some may snap or slide, while others might have screws.
- Unscrew the old bulb – Be careful if it’s hot. It’s a good idea to wear gloves or use a cloth.
- Screw in the new bulb – Use a rough service incandescent or low-EMI LED bulb that’s within the wattage limit listed on your opener.
- Replace the cover – Snap or screw the cover back on securely.
- Restore power – Plug the opener back in or flip the breaker.
That’s it—you’re back in business!
What to Do if Your Opener Still Doesn’t Work
Even with the right bulb, you might still run into issues. If your garage door won’t respond to the remote:
- Try moving the remote closer to the opener. If that works, it could still be a bulb interference issue.
- Check for other devices nearby like baby monitors, Wi-Fi routers, or other electronics that might be causing interference.
- Test the bulb by temporarily removing it and trying the opener with just natural light or a flashlight. If the problem goes away, the bulb is likely the culprit.
Still stuck? Call us at (360) 734-5960 and we’ll help troubleshoot or replace your opener if needed.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bulb
- Check your opener’s manual – It’ll tell you the max wattage and compatible bulb types. Most max out at 60 watts.
- Look for EMI-safe labeling – This tells you the LED won’t interfere with remotes. Words to look for: “Garage Door Opener Safe” or “Low EMI.”
- Use bulbs made for garage door openers – Brands like Genie, LiftMaster, and Chamberlain offer bulbs that are tested to work with their openers.
Avoid high-wattage bulbs – They can overheat and damage the light socket or nearby plastic parts.
What Light Goes Over a Garage Door?
If you’re talking about lights outside your garage, that’s a different story. You’ll want outdoor-rated bulbs that can handle rain, cold, and heat. Motion-sensor LEDs or dusk-to-dawn bulbs work great above garage doors.
Outdoor garage lights need to be sealed and waterproof, especially in rainy climates. Look for the term “wet-rated” on the bulb or fixture.
For security, you can even get smart bulbs that connect to your home Wi-Fi and alert you when motion is detected outside your garage.
How do I change the light bulb in my garage door opener?
To change the bulb, unplug the opener or turn off the power, remove the lens cover, and unscrew the old bulb. Insert a new bulb (preferably a rough service or low-EMI LED), reattach the cover, and restore power.
What kind of lightbulb does a garage door opener take?
Most garage door openers use standard A19 base bulbs that are vibration-resistant. Rough service incandescent bulbs or garage-safe LED bulbs are the best options to prevent remote interference.
What light bulb doesn't interfere with a garage door opener?
Choose LED bulbs that are specifically labeled as “low EMI” or “garage door opener safe.” These are designed to avoid disrupting the remote signal.
What kind of light goes over a garage door?
Use outdoor-rated bulbs like motion-sensor LEDs or dusk-to-dawn bulbs for exterior lighting. Make sure they’re weather-resistant and marked as suitable for wet locations.
If your garage light is flickering or the opener’s remote isn’t working right, we can help! At OHD Company Bellingham, we know garage doors inside and out. Call us at (360) 734-5960 or contact us online to schedule service.
Call Now! Let’s brighten up your garage the right way.
