Does the LiftMaster 98022 have battery backup?

The LiftMaster 98022 is a wall-mount jackshaft opener with a DC motor and a rated lift capacity of up to 850 lbs. Battery backup is included. One 485LM battery ships in the box. When the power goes out, the opener switches to battery automatically. The door operates at normal speed on battery power. This is standard on the 98022, not an optional add-on. The 98022 mounts on the wall beside the door, not on the ceiling rail. It connects directly to the torsion spring shaft to raise and lower the door.

How the 485LM battery backup works on the 98022

The 485LM is a sealed, rechargeable battery unit that keeps the opener running during a power outage. When the house has power, the opener trickle-charges the battery. When an outage hits, the battery takes over automatically. No manual switching is needed.

Door speed stays at normal rate on battery power. The 98022 does not cut speed during battery operation, which some lower-tier openers do.

The number of cycles available on a single 485LM battery depends on the door's weight. A lighter door draws less power per cycle. A heavier door draws more. For most standard residential doors under 300 lbs, a fully charged 485LM provides enough cycles to last through a typical Colorado storm outage of a few hours.

When grid power returns, the opener resumes normal operation. The battery starts recharging automatically.

The 485LM battery carries a 1-year LiftMaster warranty. Plan for replacement every three to five years under normal use. Keeping the opener plugged in and the battery maintained extends its life.

The 98022 vs. the 98032: one battery vs. two

The main difference between the 98022 and the 98032 is lift capacity. The 98022 includes one 485LM battery; the 98032 includes two 485LM batteries. The 98032 is rated for doors from 400 to 1,100 lbs versus the 98022's 850 lb limit, making it the choice for unusually heavy doors.

For the majority of residential garages, the 98022's 850 lb limit is more than enough. Most residential doors, even heavily insulated ones, weigh well under 400 lbs. The 850 lb rating gives the 98022 a large safety margin for typical use.

One 485LM battery handles most outage scenarios adequately. If your area sees outages that run more than 12 hours, or if your door is especially heavy and draws more power per cycle, the heavier-rated 98032 is worth evaluating.

Feature	98022	98032
Drive type	Wall-mount (jackshaft)	Wall-mount (jackshaft)
Motor	DC	DC
Lift capacity	Up to 850 lbs	400 to 1,100 lbs
Battery backup	Yes (one 485LM)	Yes (two 485LM)
myQ	Yes	Yes
Security+ 2.0	Yes	Yes
Motor warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime
Parts warranty	5 years	5 years

Both models carry a lifetime motor warranty and a 5-year parts warranty, which is one of the stronger warranty packages in LiftMaster's residential lineup.

Why battery backup matters on a wall-mount opener specifically

Wall-mount openers are popular in workshop garages and finished spaces where the ceiling needs to stay clear. Those garages often have more equipment and more activity, which makes the door a more important access point.

If you use the garage as a workshop and the power cuts out mid-project, you want to be able to get in and out freely. Battery backup on the 98022 keeps that option open. Without it, a jackshaft opener becomes a manual lift during an outage. For a heavy door, that means disconnecting the opener and pulling a door that may weigh 200 or more pounds by hand.

Colorado's Front Range experiences regular outages from summer hail and lightning storms and winter ice. The energy.gov weatherization guidance notes that properly sealed and insulated garage doors can reduce energy loss significantly, but a heavy insulated door also means more weight for the opener to manage during battery operation. The 98022's 850 lb rated capacity handles that well.

Battery backup on a jackshaft opener has one additional benefit. The torsion spring system is still engaged during battery operation. The springs do most of the lifting work. The motor just provides the turning force to move the springs. A properly balanced door on a well-maintained spring system draws relatively little motor current, which means battery life stretches further than it would on a door with worn or unbalanced springs.

Checking whether the 98022 is the right model for your garage

The 98022 suits homeowners who want a wall-mount opener with backup power and have a standard to moderately heavy door. Three factors determine fit.

First, door weight. If your door weighs under 600 lbs (which covers almost all residential doors), the 98022's 850 lb capacity gives you solid margin. If you have a solid wood carriage-house door or a custom heavy design, weigh the door first. Anything over 700 lbs may be better matched to the 98032.

Second, spring system type. Wall-mount jackshaft openers require a torsion spring system. Extension springs, which run horizontally on tracks above the door, are not compatible. If your garage has extension springs, the spring system would need to be converted before a wall-mount opener could be installed.

Third, outage duration. For outages that typically last under 12 hours, one 485LM battery is sufficient for most doors. For longer outages or heavier doors, the 98032 with two batteries is the safer choice.

Installation requirements and what G Brothers checks first

Installing the 98022 is a professional job. The shaft hub that connects the motor to the torsion spring shaft must match the shaft diameter. If the shaft is worn or the wrong size, the hub will not fit properly. The wall bracket must be anchored into structural framing. Drywall alone cannot support it.

G Brothers evaluates the spring system, shaft, and wall framing at every wall-mount installation. If the spring system is old or out of adjustment, we service it before the opener goes in. A properly balanced spring system makes the 98022 work better and extends both the door's life and the opener's battery life.

The photo-eye sensors required by the UL 325 safety standard still mount at the base of the door opening, same as any residential opener. G Brothers positions, aligns, and tests them at every install.

One thing to understand about the 98022 and battery backup: because it is a jackshaft opener, the torsion springs still handle most of the door's weight during operation. The motor just provides the turning force to move the spring shaft. A well-maintained and balanced spring system means the motor draws less current per cycle, which stretches battery life during outages. If the springs are worn or improperly tensioned, the motor works harder and the battery depletes faster. G Brothers checks and adjusts spring tension before every wall-mount installation.

The 98022's myQ app connection remains useful even during outages. If your cellular signal is working, you can check the door status and issue open or close commands through the app while the opener runs on battery power. Remote battery operation through myQ is supported.

G Brothers Garage Doors installs and services the LiftMaster 98022 across the Denver metro, including Denver, Lakewood, Golden, Broomfield, and Boulder. We handle the full installation, check your spring system first, and confirm battery backup is working before we leave. Free estimates. Same-day service on most repairs. Licensed and insured. Call us to set up an evaluation of your garage.