No matter how technologically advanced your home may be, you’re always going to need batteries.
From small handheld tools to smoke detectors, it’s important to have the right size and type of battery at home for any occasion, and even more important to store them in the right environment so they don’t leak, corrode, or burst. This can seem like a daunting task if you’re putting them away for a long time while they aren’t in use, but keeping batteries safe during long periods of storage is much simpler than you might think.
In this article, we’ll help guide you on the right practices for storing batteries, from the best environment to keep them in to the benefits of storing them within a climate-controlled storage unit.
What’s the best environment to store batteries in?
Batteries can put up with a decent amount of punishment, but if you want to make sure they’re ready to use up until their expiration date, keep them in a low-humidity, room-temperature environment. Extreme temperatures and humidities can both lead to irreversible damage, and while it’s easy to replace a ruined battery, leaks and ruptures can damage whatever the batteries are stored in. For best results, invest in a climate-controlled storage unit with a predictable temperature and humidity range.
Always store batteries in their original packaging whenever you can. Leaving them loose in a bag or drawer means you may have to replace the bag or drawer if there’s any damage, and leaving batteries in the devices they power runs the risk of destroying those devices beyond repair if there’s a leak.
Common battery hazards
- Temperature. At best, high temperatures can accelerate the rate at which a battery loses power; at worst, they can cause the components to expand, leading to battery fluid leaks and ruptures. If the environment is too cold, on the other hand, the battery materials can contract and reduce the battery’s capacity, causing leaks in another way.
- Humidity. Metal and moisture don’t mix in storage, and batteries are no exception; humid air can cause the battery to corrode, damaging the metal electrical contacts and rupturing the housing. The latter leads to more leaks and renders the battery unusable.
- Metal objects. This hazard may not be as obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Storing batteries loose in a container with metal objects can run the risk of short-circuiting the battery, draining its power, and generating high heat that can damage the battery and its container. For best results, store batteries in their original packaging.
What are the best practices for storing specialty batteries?
While standard-issue batteries aren’t difficult to store, some batteries require special care when you’re putting them in storage. For example, a car battery is much more complicated and volatile than your everyday AA battery. Here are a couple of important things to consider when storing other common battery types:
Car batteries
Vehicle batteries are much pricier to replace than most other batteries, and while you technically can store a vehicle with its battery still attached, it’s best to store it separately from the vehicle. Here are a few more tips to make sure a car battery works right out of storage:
- Give the battery a full charge before you store it.
- If storing a vehicle as well, disconnect the battery or completely remove it from any vehicle it may be in.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place. If you have control over the climate or are renting a climate-controlled storage unit, make sure the temperature is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Test the battery’s voltage level at least once per month.
- Recharge the battery if the battery’s voltage falls to or below 12.50 volts, or connect a small maintenance charger to maintain the battery while it’s in storage.
- Consult your vehicle’s manual before storing it for more specifics on properly disconnecting and maintaining its battery.
Some storage facilities offer in-unit power to help you recharge the battery or run a maintenance charger; be sure to ask facility management if this is offered in their units.
Rechargeable batteries
Units with electrical outlets also come in handy for storing other rechargeable batteries. Whether you have a set of rechargeable AA batteries or a specific battery pack for a camera battery, keep these batteries attached to their designated chargers.
If the unit has power, you can use these chargers to maintain a charge; if it doesn’t, keeping batteries on their chargers can still reduce the risk of losing power. This method can also help you organize your batteries within your unit.
How do I find a storage unit where I can store my batteries in?
As long as you keep them in their proper containers and in an ideal environment, storing batteries is an easy task, and finding the right storage unit for them is even easier with Storage.com. Use our built-in search tool to compare prices on storage units in your area, and use our filters to make sure your options have the features you need.
