6 Hacks for Longer Lasting Batteries

Posted by Jake Williams

February 18th is National Battery Day - a day where some celebrate and appreciate the convenience that batteries provide. Admittedly, this day was not marked on my calendar, nor is it a day I would bet that most of us make special plans or arrangements for. Perhaps we should, though...but where to start?

What is perhaps more memorable than an unofficial holiday, is a battery emergency. These are the moments when batteries fail at the most inopportune times, and when forgotten batteries leak and corrode inside devices. With the standard solution to this being replacement of the battery, most people have made a habit of keeping at least a few of the most commonly-needed batteries on hand. But are bad habits jeopardizing the condition and lifespan of their battery stash? In the spirit of celebration and appreciation of batteries, we offer 6 tips to avoid a "Personal Battery Emergency" through safe and effective storage!

Store single-use batteries in their original packaging. This will maintain orientation of the batteries, preventing opposing ends from making contact, and will help prevent mixture with batteries of different makes, ages, and types. This will also prevent contact with metal, which is a common cause of discharge and corrosion. Yes, the packaging is sometimes twice the size of the plastic bubble the batteries are contained in. If this portion of the packaging does not contain any relevant information or serve any useful purpose, I sometimes trim around where the paper is glued to the plastic bubble. I have also found it helpful to write the "expiration" and/or purchase date on the back portion for quick reference.
Know the rules for the different batteries you are storing. Not all chemistries are alike, and special consideration should be given to their chemistry. For example, some rechargeable batteries will permanently damage themselves if stored in a discharged state. (So always charge rechargeable batteries before storing). Many of the newer types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, have special requirements for safe handling and storage.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place. So your office desk drawer is probably a great place—but keep them out of the basement, kitchen or other high-humidity zones. Manufacturers often print a "guaranteed until" type of shelf life on packaging and battery. This is, of course, based upon a controlled environment where they are not exposed to extreme temperatures in any direction, and the opportunity for self-discharge is minimized in the way their lifespan is projected.
Refrigerator and Freezer storage? Don't, probably. Although some still store batteries in refrigerators, the amount of self-discharge lessened is usually not worth the other risks. I am told there are some very specialized batteries where the manufacturer recommends this, but despite using an above-average variety of rare and obscure batteries, I cannot readily provide an example of a device where this is recommended.
When it is time to put the batteries into use, avoid mixing batteries of different brands, types, and ages. What does it matter if you have one Duracell® and one Energizer®? It matters. Different chemistries within the batteries can cause damage to the device through leakage and over-discharge of the lower capacity battery.
Remove batteries from rarely-used, stored away devices. Time flies, and potentially damaging occurrences, such as shorting and corrosion, can happen. The worst cases of this I have personally experienced is when devices are stored away, or replaced by more modern equivalents. Although I was able to save and repair a few Maglite® flashlights, many of my vintage Star Wars toys, and a cool cymbal-banging monkey from the 70's (bless his red & white striped, battery-hole-exploded pants) is a goner.

On National Battery Day (February 18), there is no need to host a BBQ, exchange gifts, or plant a tree. Just take a few moments, perhaps test and/or replace batteries in key daily devices, and save yourself from a potential Personal Battery Moment by managing and protecting your inventory!