Store your batteries at room temperature.

Modern electronic devices seem to devour batteries like candy, prompting most of us to keep a good sized supply of fresh replacements on hand. With the cost of batteries being what it is, it makes sense to store the batteries in a way that will ensure optimum performance once we need them. So what is the best way to store batteries?

Jim Tessmar is the owner of The Battery Hut in Burbank, Calif. Here he offers us advice on how to store batteries properly:

• Myths. According to Tessmar, there are a lot of battery storage myths out there, but the most prevalent one is that you should keep your batteries in the refrigerator or freezer. While this may have been sound advice in the old days, battery technology has changed over the years, and cold storage is no longer the place for batteries.

• Room temperature. The best place to keep batteries is somewhere that’s dry and at room temperature, like a kitchen cabinet.

• Heat and flame. Never keep your batteries in extreme heat or near an open flame. Tessmar believes that the chances of explosion due to heat are slim, but it does happen, and you’re always better off safe than sorry.

• Long life. Quality batteries are made to have long shelf lives. Stored properly in your kitchen drawer or similar location, batteries can last from 3 to 5 years and still work great when you put them into a device. Many brands have sell-by dates on the package, and these can help you determine if you’ve still got fresh, strong batteries on your hands.

For more information on batteries and battery storage, check out the following organizations and websites:

How Batteries Work
www.howstuffworks.com/battery.htm

Batteries.com
www.batteries.com

Power Stream: Battery Storage
www.powerstream.com/Storage.htm

New Technology Batteries Guide: Battery Handling and Maintenance
www.nlectc.org/txtfiles/batteryguide/ba-hand.htm

Duracell: Care and Disposal
www.duracell.com/care_disposal/

Energizer
www.energizer.com