Storing Batteries in the Freezer | Does This Increase the Lifespan?
The most common myth circulating around is, “Storing batteries in the freezer greatly increases their lifespan.” You must have heard of this myth. Didn't you?
As we all know, batteries are the backbone of all electronic devices, and they are, in fact, the most expensive part of any device. Therefore, we always want to increase their lifespan one way or the other.
Remember, there are ways to help your batteries last longer, but storing them in the fridge for the same purpose is not going to do anything worthwhile for you.
If you are wondering whether batteries in the refrigerator can perform well for a longer period, don't miss this read. It explains everything in this regard, including effective tips for storing your batteries in winter.
Do batteries last longer in the fridge?
If you are hearing this myth for the first time that batteries last longer when stored in the refrigerator, this is true but irrelevant. We'll explain it in detail later in this guide. There was a time when people used to believe in this, but it is of no importance these days.
Earlier, people used to store household batteries (AAA, AAA, C, and D). Never go for storing a car battery or an RV battery in the fridge. Rechargeable batteries had a bad reputation when they were first introduced.
The reason behind this fact was they could lose a great percentage of capacity every month. This issue convinced users to do something creative, and they started putting batteries in the freezer to slow down their chemical reaction process and preserve more juice.
With technological advancements, nowadays, rechargeable batteries offered by the leading brands can maintain up to 85% of the total charge for the whole year. Therefore, you don't need to store your batteries in the refrigerator anymore.
Why shouldn&'t you store a battery in the freezer?
The top reasons why we recommend not to store batteries in the fridge are as follows.
- Nowadays, advanced batteries come with an exceptionally slow rate of self-discharge. It indicates that they can last longer than all old batteries. For example, disposable alkaline and lithium-ion batteries have an extremely slow self-discharge rate. Though freezing batteries can technically slow down the process of self-discharge, it is irrelevant these days.
- When you freeze batteries, you have to warm them up before use. Otherwise, it will directly impact their lifespan. Plus, when you don&'t warm up a battery properly before putting it into an electronic device, it will create moisture, which is a danger to any device. No one of us (these days) wants to give 30 to 60 minutes out of our time just to warm the batteries up.
- Cold temperatures can damage the batteries' case. You can shorten a battery's life instead of extending it. Therefore, if you really want to make the battery last longer, replace disposable alkaline batteries with lithium-ion batteries.
How does temperature affect batteries?
The battery capacity increases at higher temperatures and decreases at low-temperature levels. This is the reason why your car battery fails to provide the engine with enough power to start on a cold morning.
Usually, batteries perform well at room temperature, i.e., 25 degrees Celsius. At the freezing temperature, the capacity may be reduced by 20%. Similarly, the battery capacity may drop to 50% at -30 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the capacity increases by 12% at higher temperatures like 122 degrees Celsius.
Simply put, hot temperatures enable batteries to lose their charge quickly. On the other hand, cold temperatures are known for slowing the batteries' chemical reaction process.
Note: If you want your batteries to be charged and discharged at recommended temperatures and are looking forward to storing them to maximize their performance, don't forget to follow the manufacturer's guidelines given in the manual.
How to store Renogy batteries in winter?
Storing batteries in winter is a frequently discussed subject. A few tips you must follow to store lithium batteries in a cold environment effectively are given below.
- Always place your battery in a dry, cool area or place. It will keep them away from freezing. Using wood surfaces to place batteries in storage facilities or garages is preferred.
- Remove the electrical load by disconnecting the battery terminals. It will keep your battery away from damage and slow drain.
- Always perform regular maintenance, especially in winter, to get the most out of your battery. It may include corrosion removal and watering.
Let's now explore some do's and don'ts of storing your batteries.
Do's
- Never expose your batteries to direct sunlight because it causes your battery liquid to evaporate. As a result, the battery fails to perform its functions.
- Always store your batteries at room temperature. It will help you get the best outcomes. Storing batteries at extremely higher or extremely lower temperatures can significantly affect the overall performance.
- Read through the local regulations to dispose of your batteries safely. Throwing batteries into garbage baskets has never been recommended because they have toxic substances and can cause fire.
Don'ts
- Avoid mixing new and old batteries. The reason behind this fact is that the old batteries may discharge into the new batteries. As a result, the performance of both batteries may be reduced.
- Never use a plastic sandwich bag to store your batteries. If a metal object comes into contact with the battery terminals, it will result in a short circuit. The same is the case when loose batteries contact each other.
- Keep your batteries away from short-circuiting, as this process produces an intense electrical current, which can affect nearby areas. In the worst case, batteries can burst or catch fire.
How to protect and keep your batteries warm in cold temperatures?
When you keep your batteries warm in a cold environment or temperature, it helps you not to face charging difficulties. To keep your batteries warm, you need to store your lithium batteries in a heated or insulated compartment. The use of an external heating pad will also be worth it.
It is a fact that a lithium battery works perfectly in a cold environment compared to a lead-acid battery. Even if the temperature level is above freezing, a lithium battery performs its functions smoothly.
Advanced lithium batteries come with pre-installed heat enablers to keep them warm with no extra effort or external equipment. For example, the Renogy 12V 200Ah Pro Smart Lithium Iron Phosphate battery comes with a built-in self-heating function.
The self-heating function of the Renogy battery listed above is provided to enhance the overall performance in a cold environment. It perfectly maintains an optimal temperature internally and enables the battery to perform smoothly.
Once you activate this feature, it will use a small amount of the battery's energy to produce heat within the battery. It ensures that the chemical reactions inside the battery are perfectly happening for charging and discharging purposes. In addition, the generated heat keeps an electrolyte fluid.
You might be thinking that the self-heating feature takes energy from the battery; therefore, it will affect the overall capacity. Right? Well, since it consumes a very small amount of the battery's energy to keep it warm internally, it does not produce any significant effect on the battery's overall capacity or performance.
You can also explore the cold-weather batteries available on the market. They will lend you a helping hand in reducing your headache. Renogy offers a wide collection of batteries you need for better performance.
FAQs
What happens when you put batteries in the freezer?
When you place batteries in the fridge, the chemical reactions happening within the battery slow down. There is a myth that storing batteries in the freezer can help them last for a longer period. Though it is technically true, it does not make any significant difference. Therefore, putting your battery in the refrigerator is not going to help you much.
How should I dispose of old batteries?
To dispose of old alkaline batteries, use a plastic tub or a cardboard box to collect all of them. Tape their terminals to avoid facing any sort of fire risk. Similarly, when it comes to disposing of rechargeable batteries, you can go to any local solid waste collection event. Many car sellers provide car battery recycling services. You can visit them to purchase a new battery and return the dead one.
Does the freezer recharge batteries?
Yes, the energy of a battery increases when it is frozen. Remember, the energy only increases by 5%, which is very small compared to the total battery capacity. If you are in urgent need, you can store your battery in the freezer. Otherwise, there is no need to do this. You must be familiar with the fact that advanced batteries already come with a low self-discharge ability, so storing them in the refrigerator becomes irrelevant.
Do batteries last longer in the cold?
Yes, this is true. If you compare the performance of two batteries placed in the cold and hot environment, respectively, you will be amazed to see that a battery stored in a moderate or colder condition lasts 2 to 3 times longer than a battery placed in high temperatures.
The data has shown that the average lifespan of batteries in southern climates (like Florida) is between 18 and 23 months. In comparison, the lifespan of a battery in Northern Europe, Canada, or northern states in the US is between 48 and 54 months.
Where is the best place to store batteries?
The best place to store your battery to maximize its working ability is nothing but a climate-controlled room where there are no heat fluctuations. Ensure there is no sunlight falling directly onto your batteries. The dark, cool places are often recommended to store your batteries. This type of environment has proven to be helpful in increasing the battery's overall performance.
Final thoughts
Storing batteries in the freezer to make them last longer is an old myth. People used to follow this myth to increase the battery's lifespan and overall performance. It is a fact that chemical reactions slow down when you put a battery in a freezing environment, but it does not make a worthy difference.
Advanced battery technology has taken the current industry by storm. They come with a slow self-discharging ability so that you don't need to store batteries in the freezer. Moreover, when you place a battery in the fridge, you can't use it until you warm it. It may take up to 30 to 60 minutes.
If you are using alkaline batteries, it is recommended to shift to lithium-ion batteries for maximized performance. Nowadays, many batteries come with a slow self-discharging ability; therefore, you don't need to store them in the freezer anymore. If you want to buy long-lasting batteries with enhanced performance, contact Renogy.