Did you know a lightning strike near your home can fry your garage door opener? A sudden surge in electrical voltage can travel through power line, or even the metal frame of your garage, damaging sensitive components like circuit boards and transformers.

   If your opener stops responding to the wall switch or remote, starts behaving erratically, or gives off a burning smell, it could be a sign of lightning related damage.

   The good news? You can take steps to protect your system. Installing a heavy-duty surge protector specifically for your opener and adding a whole-house surge protector at your main panel can shield your electronics. If it's safe to do so, unplug the opener during a storm. And make sure the garage and opener are properly grounded.

    A little prevention goes a long way, especially when lightning strikes!