Debunking 4 Common Misconceptions about Batteries (Explaining Why They Are Inaccurate)
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Batteries are a crucial part of our daily lives, powering everything from our phones to our flashlights. But how much do we really know about them? And why do so many of us believe battery myths? 💔
Let's debunk a few common misconceptions about batteries: 🤯
Myth 1: Stole Batteries in the Fridge 🥫
Many people think that keeping their household batteries chilled in the fridge or freezer can increase their lifespan. 🥶This myth might have originated from the notion that slowing down chemical reactions with cooler temperatures would slow the battery's ability to lose charge. 🦠However, no solid scientific evidence supports this claim, and the major battery manufacturers like Duracell strongly advise against it, stating that storing batteries in the fridge or freezer "will not...increase storage life". 🤨
On the flipside, placing batteries in the fridge can lead to condensation and damage to the battery contacts or label, which can harm the batteries. 🚪Instead, store your batteries in a dry place at room temperature, between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. 👦
Myth 2: Stop Charging Your Phone Overnight 🔌
Many folks believe it's not a good idea to constantly charge their phone to 100% or to charge it overnight. Indeed, in the past, it was wise to do so to extend the battery's lifespan. 🌙But now, modern phone and laptop batteries, which are typically lithium-ion, come with a software feature called "battery optimization" that charges them to 80% and holds off on charging until you need them, keeping your battery healthy. 🤝
However, Battery University recommends keeping your phone's battery charge between 40% and 80% to increase its lifespan as much as possible. 💻Avoid storing a fully charged or fully depleted battery.
Myth 3: Closing Apps Saves Battery Life 📱
When your phone's battery starts running low, many people close apps they aren't using. The belief is that apps use up resources and closing them will save battery life. However, this is false. 💣Both Android and iOS suspend apps that you're not actively using, so closing them manually is not necessary. 😴
If you want to conserve battery life when your phone's charge is low, lower the screen brightness, turn off the screen as much as possible, or enable the battery saver mode found in your phone's settings. 🌳
Myth 4: Fully Discharge Batteries Before Charging 💩
Many people think it's beneficial to fully discharge batteries before charging them back to full. This idea stems from the "memory effect" story, which originated in the 20th century aviation and aerospace industry. 🛫Engineers would routinely deplete nickel-cadmium batteries to exactly 25% before charging them completely. The idea was that fully charging the batteries before they were completely depleted would cause them to lose charge capacity over time. 🚣This misconception does not apply to modern household batteries, such as lithium-ion, which have no memory effect. 💡
Embrace tech-savvy living by debunking common misconceptions that impact your lifestyle, such as the myth that keeping household batteries in the fridge can increase their lifespan or the belief that closing apps saves battery life on your smartphone. Instead, store batteries at room temperature, between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and let your device's software manage app usage and battery optimization for longer battery life.
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