Laptop batteries will eventually stop working. However, there are many ways to extend notebook battery life. Aussie laptop users can extend their batteries’ life by first finding out which factors affect its life expectancy, such as regular use, discharging, extreme temperatures, and storage conditions.
Factors That Affect Overall Laptop Battery Life
Extreme Temperatures – Heat is one of the things that can destroy electronics, and batteries are especially susceptible. The heat can activate chemical reactions that can wear down batteries, causing them to age faster. Most batteries shouldn’t be used or stored above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The table below shows how much temperature can affect a Asus A41-X550 battery‘s charge capacity after three months.
Regular Use – There’s a saying that goes, “Use it or lose it” and the same can be said of laptop batteries. Many people that purchase laptops as desktop replacements keep it plugged it most of the time. They may think that keeping it plugged in to the laptop AC adapter will reduce the number of battery cycles. However, not using it at all can shorten the battery’s life as well. While plugged into a power source, the batteries remain fully charged and are effectively waiting to be used. All this waiting can harm the battery and shorten its lifespan. Also, the added heat from the power source and overcharging are the two culprits that can cause laptop batteries to age faster. So, even for just a few minutes each day, try to unplug the laptop and use the battery, or risk losing its capacity.
Discharging All the Way – Some people think that discharging a battery all the way will improve its performance and memory. However, when it comes to lithium-ion laptop batteries, discharging it until it runs empty can do more harm than good. Discharging batteries to less than 3 percent capacity can seriously damage them, and shorten their existence. So, for those who use the battery all the time, don’t wait until the laptop dies completely before plugging it in.
