How Can You Maximize Your Laptop’s Battery Performance?

How Can You Maximize Your Laptop's Battery Performance?

Most laptop batteries last 18-24 months with average use. This is equivalent to 500-800 charging cycles. If you use your laptop battery everyday, use it for gaming, video streaming and are on WiFi constantly, the laptop will drain the battery life much quicker. Such heavy use can render the battery dead in as little as one year with heavy laptop use. Get maximum performance from your laptop battery by following a few suggestions below:

Condition New Batteries

New laptop batteries come in a discharged condition and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended that you fully charge the battery to 100% and let the battery discharge completely on its own. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times to break in the battery and so each battery cell can reach it's full charging potential.

Avoid Memory Effect

Keep your laptop battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once a month. Li-Ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect, but they too still need conditioning at least once a month and should not be overcharged.

Remove Battery when Using AC/DC Power Source

Laptop batteries are in constant charge and discharge state when you have the AC/DC adapter plugged into the computer and using the computer with the battery installed. Removing the battery while using the AC/DC adapter will help prolong the life span of the battey since most last 500-800 charging cycles or 18-24 months. These frequent shallow charges do not allow all of the battery cells to properly condition for optimum battery performance.

Don't Mix Chargers & AC/DC Adapters

Not all laptops of the same brand use the same type of charger/adapter. Do not assume that the same charger your friend uses on his Toshiba will be the correct one for you model of Toshiba. Every laptop requires it's own specific specs and both the in and out source specifications Amps and Volts must be correct for your laptop model and battery chemistry. Mixing or using the wrong charger can damage the battery and the laptop. You may not notice any difference at first, but the laptop or battery may show signs of a problems later. Do not use a swollen battery. Carefully remove and contact a local recycle center or repair shop for advice on discarding the battery.

Reduce or Set Your Laptop to Battery Saver Mode

Most laptops allow you to adjust the settings to battery saver mode. Turning down the monitor brightness and turning off programs running in the background will also help in reducing drain on the battery. Remember that WiFi, Gaming and Video Streaming eats up a lot of battery power. We recommend using the AC/DC adapter when you can if on WiFi, Gaming and Streaming Video.

Keep your Batteries Clean

Cleaning dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol will help maintain good connections between the battery and the electronic device.

Exercise the Battery

Condition the battery at least once a month. If your battery has not been used for a long period of time, perform the new battery break in procedure described above (condition).

Laptop Battery Storage

NiCad, NiMH and Li-Ion batteries self-discharge during storage Batteries need to be broken in before use. If you don't plan on using the battery for at least a month or more, the battery should be stored in a cool dry place. Do not leave the battery inserted in the laptop for long periods of time with the AC/DC adapter plugged in constantly charging the battery. Not only will this reduce the battery's life, it can over charge the battery and damage the laptop.

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