Laptop batteries usually last three years, but some users can extend it to five to seven years. To extend the battery life, remove the battery if not in use for a long time, occasionally run on battery power, avoid damaging the battery, and clean the battery contacts.
Under normal circumstances, the average life of a laptop battery is about three years. However, some users are able to use a few simple tricks and enjoy five to seven years of use before needing to replace the battery. If you want to know how to get the most out of your laptop battery, here are some ways to extend its life without having to put a lot of effort.
First, your laptop battery shouldn’t allow you to sit idle for long periods of time. If you plan not to use the laptop for a couple of weeks, remove the battery from the unit and store it in a cool, dry place. When reinstalling the battery, follow the manufacturer’s procedure for charging a new computer battery back to full power.
Even with laptops that are used daily, it’s a good idea to occasionally unplug the AC power source and run strictly on battery power long enough to nearly run out of power. The reason for this is that laptop batteries are prone to what is known as the memory effect. By only running the battery up to half capacity, the battery can actually forget about the other 50% and start malfunctioning.
Using the full battery capacity at least once or twice every two weeks will minimize this effect and keep the battery charge at optimum efficiency. Keep in mind that not all laptop batteries are prone to this phenomenon. If you use a Li-ion or Ni-Mh laptop battery, you don’t have to worry about the memory effect.
Avoid any action that could damage the laptop battery. This means making sure that the battery is not exposed to humidity or extremely high temperatures for extended periods of time. Be careful not to drop the laptop battery on a hard surface. Any of these accidents can crack the case and possibly damage the battery cells.
Finally, clean the battery contacts on your laptop from time to time. Small amounts of dust and debris can build up on the contacts and put extra strain on the battery during charging activity. Use a simple cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently clean the contacts every few months and the battery should last a little longer before a replacement is needed.
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