Do battries really last longer in the refrigerater or is it an old tale?

Answer 1

Old wive's tale, but might have some basis in fact. If the chemical reaction which produces the electron flow is slower at lower temperatures, putting them somewhere cold might tend to keep the batteries fresher. Sounds like a good idea for a Mythbusters episode.

Answer 2

Common household batteries rely on chemical reactions in order release their charge. Heat generally accelerates chemical reactions and may hasten the deterioration of a household battery. Were this topic put to a vote, I would vote that storing batteries in the refrigerator would preserve their total electrical discharge potential better that storing them in hot conditions. Why not e-mail your question to a battery manufacturer's consumer assistance division?
I do suspect that the cost of keeping batteries cold exceeds the value of any loss of discharge potential were they stored at room temperature. Best to buy batteries fresh as required rather than storing them.

Answer 3

It's an old wives tale. They figured if it kept the eggs fresh longer it must work for everything else also.

My mother-in-law (age 89) puts all kinds of stuff in the refrigerator to keep it fresh: batteries, Scotch tape, etc.

Answer 4

Take something battery powered outdoors in the middle of winter, you'll be lucky if it lasts half as long as it does in the summer. I don't think storing them in the fridge is going to help any.

Answer 5

It's an old tale. Damp and Moise conditions worsen electrical conditions.

Answer 6

most batteries have on the package a temperature storage recommendation. If stored under or above the recommended temp. it's not good for the batteries.

Answer 7

I think thats an old tell. because the same amout of energy is going to be lost to heat in either condition.