Here are some things to keep in mind to keep your equipment in great shape.
Replacing the battery
The lifespan of a battery is measured in terms of charge cycles. This is the number of times that the battery is fully charged. Although it varies by manufacturer, a lithium-ion battery should last, on average, for at least 400 charge cycles. So a well-maintained battery should last 3 to 5 years before its performance reduces and it holds less charge.
Battery maintenance
You should fully recharge batteries after each use versus waiting until they’re completely empty. Store the battery out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place, ideally below 68°F/20°C when it’s not being used. If you’re storing your battery for a lengthy period, it’s best to keep it less than fully charged (40% – 80% is ideal) so you don’t reduce the battery life. That also means it’s best not to leave the battery plugged in for long periods after it’s fully charged. If a battery gets hot, let it cool down before recharging it. For optimal performance and safety, batteries should be kept dry, so don’t use battery-powered outdoor equipment in the rain. If the battery gets wet, wipe away moisture before charging the battery.
Backup power
It’s a good idea to have a second battery on hand and fully charged so you can switch mid-job. Most consumers buy more than one piece of battery-powered outdoor equipment, and each one can typically be purchased with or without a battery. If your equipment has compatible batteries, once you buy 2 or 3 pieces of equipment with batteries, that should provide plenty of backup power and allow you to do most yard work without waiting for a battery to charge. Any other equipment you buy from that point on can utilize the batteries you already have, which creates significant savings over purchasing gas-powered alternatives.
We’re In This Together
Pledge to reduce your home’s carbon footprint by replacing old systems and appliances with clean energy technologies over time.
