Batteries

[ifmdalvey]

This is not your usual battery question, nothing about AGM or wet cells.
I was getting my boat fitted out and could not find my alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc)for flashlights, clock and things like that.
My wife had moved them and could not remember where she put them, then she remembered, in the freezer !
So my question is, does this help their life or will it kill them? she swears a friend told her it was good for the batteries, i am not so sure.
Thanks

 

[Maine Sail]

This is not your usual battery question, nothing about AGM or wet cells.
I was getting my boat fitted out and could not find my alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc)for flashlights, clock and things like that.
My wife had moved them and could not remember where she put them, then she remembered, in the freezer !
So my question is, does this help their life or will it kill them? she swears a friend told her it was good for the batteries, i am not so sure.
Thanks

Directly from Energizer the folks who actually make the batteries:

"Question: Is it a good idea to store batteries in a refrigerator or freezer? 

Answer: No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures (68°F to 78°F or 20°C to 25°C) with moderated humidity levels (35 to 65% RH)."

 

[ifmdalvey]

Thanks Mainesail, as usual you come straight up with the definitive answer. Glad my radar is working with the recent Casco Bay weather.

 

[Ted]

Alkaline batteries stored at "room temperature" self discharge at a rate of less than two percent per year. So normally refrigerating or freezing them will only help maintain their charge by a tiny amount. Hardly worth the effort of chilling them. However, if alkaline batteries are stored at higher temperatures they will start to lose capacity much quicker. At 85 degrees F they only lose about 5% per year, but at 100 degrees they lose 25% per year. So if you live in a very hot climate or are storing your batteries in a very hot location, it may be worthwhile for you to store your alkaline batteries in a refrigerator instead.

 

[JohnS]

Based on Maine Sail's info, I'd consider putting them in a ziploc along with a couple of those dessicant packs that come in electronics packaging, then putting them in the fridge. But if they aren't likely to be exposed to temps above room temp, seems like it's not much worth the effort.

 

[kloudie1]

the problem is that "room" temperature and humidity inside a closed boat without AC in the summer in south Louisiana is nowhere near where Energizer says to store 'em.
I end up replacing batteries every season. I used to go through them pretty fast, but now with LED flashlights, the batteries last much longer.