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Charged & Energized: 3 Tips on How to Store Batteries

7 July 2015 by Anni Heikkinen

You probably have stored a bunch of battery-operated equipment and tools in your self storage unit. To make life simpler and easier in the future, consider storing any leftover batteries you may have lying around the house that are compatible with the battery-operated equipment and tools being stored.

Conventional batteries have a typical lifespan of approximately 2 to 3 years while sealed AGM batteries last anywhere from 3 to 5 years on average, but can last 6 to 8 with proper maintenance. To make sure your batteries last, implement the following 3 tips for batteries heading to the storage unit.

Remove Batteries from Unused Equipment

Although this may sound like common advise, you'd be surprised at how many storage owners forget to remove batteries from any equipment that will be unused for extended periods of time. The batteries will last longer if they are not in the equipment and are stored separately since small electric currents can still flow through the equipment even when they are sitting idle.

In addition, batteries do have a shelf life. As small amounts of electricity continue to get discharged, the acid inside the battery will eventually leak out and begin to corrode the nearby environment. You don't want to have to throw out the tools and equipment too if that happens.

Store the Battery in a Climate-Controlled Unit

It's a surprising fact to some people: batteries are temperature-sensitive, and do not tolerate heat well. If you don't choose a climate-controlled unit, the temperatures inside the storage unit will fluctuate tremendously, and this will cause the batteries to go bad easily.

Batteries should be stored in cool places. The recommended storage temperature will be based on the chemical composition of the batteries. Lithium-based batteries, for example, should be stored ideally at temperatures of 59 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

Storing the batteries in the refrigerator, freezer or places considered to be too cold is also problematic. Condensation from the refrigerator and freezer can easily damage the batteries. In addition, battery life is greatly reduced when stored in extremely cold conditions.

Package and Store the Batteries Separately

Spare batteries are much more reactive than what you may think. They can react with other batteries nearby and may even leak acid. Spend the time separating the batteries from one another and packaging and storing them in separate containers. Do not mix old and new batteries or two different kinds of batteries together in the same packaging because it will encourage a chemical reaction. The batteries may end up reacting with one another and begin to leak or lose stored energy.

Make sure you store the batteries in separate containers and away from other metal objects. Metal will conduct an electric current and charge from the batteries. If possible, store the batteries in their original packaging. If not, keep them in a plastic container. Also, for the sake of being careful, store batteries away from any valuable items or any items with a sentimental value. This way, even if the batteries do end up leaking, the acid won't damage anything of value.

If you have spare batteries lying around compatible with tools and equipment being kept in storage, storing the batteries separately is a good idea. This way, you won't have to go running to the store every time you decide to take a tool or equipment out of storage. It's a lot more convenient. If stored properly, batteries can last for years, especially, if you have rechargeable batteries. All you have to do is take the time and effort to make sure that the batteries will not react with the surrounding environment.

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