Will batteries last longer if they are refrigerated?

Answer 1

Yep! Your spare batteries will generally last longer if you keep them refrigerated. Another helpful hint is to keep them individually wrapped in tin foil while they're just sittin' in the refrigerator!

But you should also know that it depends what kind of battery you're talking about.
- For alkaline batteries (the most common household battery), storing them in the refrigerator will extend their life by less than 5%, but if you store them at room temperature, they retain 90% of their power on their own anyways. Since you can't use cold batteries right away (you have to let them cool), if you need your batteries for a flashlight in an emergency, storing alkaline batteries in a refrigerator may be impractical since 5% is so small...
- For NiMH and Nicad batteries, refrigerating them is much more useful. When storing NiMH and Nicad batteries at room temp, they lose their charge after just a few days, but when refrigerated, they retain 90% of their charge!

Kodak says "refrigeration is not necessary, nor is it recommended" and "freezing is not recommended" for its alkaline batteries. Duracell advises: "Do not refrigerate Duracell (alkaline) batteries. This will not make them last longer." Both recommend storing batteries in a cool, dry place.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

The Straight Dope
by Cecil Adams, The Chicago Reader

Is it true that refrigerating batteries will extend shelf life? If so, why does a cold car battery cause slower starts? The answer will help me sleep better. — Kevin C., Alexandria, Virginia

Whatever it takes, dude. Refrigerating batteries extends shelf life because batteries produce electricity through a chemical reaction. Heat speeds up any reaction, while cold slows it down. Freeze your [car battery] and you'll extend its life because the juice won't leak away—but it'll also make those volts a little tough to use right away. That accounts for the belief occasionally voiced by mechanics that if a battery is left on the garage floor for an extended period, the concrete will "suck out the electricity." It does nothing of the kind, but a cold floor will substantially reduce a battery's output. The cure: warm it up first.

(Reprinted, with permission, from Return of the Straight Dope. ©1994 Chicago Reader, Inc.)

Answer 3

That's only a myth. There was a time,when people would put them in the freezer,and said this prolongs the life of the battery. If the battery life was going down,then putting them in the freezer,was also suppose to restore it's power (Hum?). This does'nt work. (Believe me) I tried it. Once the battery was at room temperature, (because it was useless while cold),there was not miracle change.

Answer 4

I've heard that refrigeration will help extend battery life.

Answer 5

I only put batteries in the fridge if I don't plan to eat them within two, three days max.

Answer 6

Used to be a good method, but today's batterys do not have the problems with internal leakage. Usually no point.

Answer 7

I don't know, but I do know of someone who does that. My recomendation? Get some rechargables! They are well worth the extra money and do a great job!

Answer 8

Hey, reminds me of my childhood days. I was told of it, and I even used to try that when I was young. I'm not sure though if the myth has been scientifically proven though.

Answer 9

no clue really

i do refrigerate mine, mainly out of habit

my parents do too

Answer 10

I have always heard that. I keep mine in the fridge.