Battery Saving Tips
Energy storage is an important part of portability and energy infrastructure. Without the ability to store and release large amounts of energy we’re left with needing a constant feed of dedicated energy from a specialized source. All of our portable devices, from children’s toys to cars and airplanes use some kind of battery for power. Increasingly more devices ““ laptops, yard equipment, even fully-electric cars ““ are relying on energy storage.
Batteries are expensive, and improving their lifespan is difficult. It’s always annoying when you run out of power in the middle of a task, so here are some quick tips for ensuring that you always have battery power available when you need it.
Dry-Cell Batteries
The standard disposable batteries we use on a daily basis are designed to be hold a charge and be ready for use at a moment’s notice. Ensuring long life from a dry-cell battery is fairly easy you simply need to make sure that they aren’t plugged in and are stored in a cool place.
Batteries discharge energy when a load is applied, this is leaving batteries slowly lose energy over time when left in certain devices. In fact, the best way to store batteries is in a refrigerator or freezer. Heat allows batteries to discharge and can even reduce their effectiveness when in use. This is true of most batteries, regardless of whether or not they’re rechargeable. Storing a battery with other metal objects can lead to energy discharges if they manage to connect the terminals on the battery. This not only uses the energy stored, it releases heat, decreasing battery life.
For the best longevity in each individual battery, use them with fresh batteries. Pairing a used and a new battery will drain the new battery faster, and give you less power in analogue devices.
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Never keep batteries mixed in with metals (e.g. coins, pins, etc)
- Never use new batteries with old ones
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries require a different kind of care. The same concepts about heat and storage still apply. Whether the batteries are alkaline dry-cells, sealed lead-acid batteries, or lithium-ion batteries, they should all be stored in a cool and dry location until needed. Lithium-ion batteries should also be charged (or discharged as needed) to 50% of their total before being put into long-term storage.
Smart electrical devices, from your watch to your car, all have some type of battery-life maintenance programming. Prolonging battery life and getting the most out of your device has been made relatively simple by these functions. Still, you can help expand on the longevity of each battery charge with a few simple tricks.
- Decrease on-time and screen brightness
- For laptops, keep ventilation ports and fans clear
- For mobile devices, use the strongest wireless signal access
- Disable push notifications and active scanning devices
Reducing screen brightness and leaving your screen off when not in use will lower the amount of energy used. Most of the power used in devices (whether they’re laptops or smart watches) is in the form of screens and graphics processors. Actively running programs, signal searches, and bright screens all drain a substantial amount of energy. Simply turning them off or leaving them in standby mode will increase the longevity of your battery each day.
Hickerson Electrical is your source for all home electrical services.  We’re ready and willing to deliver top-quality service to your home at a moment’s notice. So call today at (703) 594-3913.
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