Factors That Influence Home Battery Life Expectancy

To determine how many years a home backup battery will last before a decline in efficiency, you need to consider the type of battery, number of cycles (meaning the number of times it’s discharged and recharged), and environmental factors like temperature, among others.

By understanding how these factors affect a battery’s lifespan, you can make an informed decision on the best home backup solution to invest in for your needs and usage patterns.

1.Battery Type

Battery chemistry can significantly impact the lifespan of a home backup system. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, have a longer lifespan and are far more efficient than lead-acid batteries. They have a lower self-discharge rate, meaning they can maintain their charge for extended periods.

Lead-acid batteries are heavy and bulky and have a shorter lifespan than either type of lithium battery. They require regular maintenance and are more sensitive to temperature changes. As the price of lithium batteries continues to drop, most homeowners choose lithium ion or LFP battery technology for their home backup power solutions.

2.Usage Cycles

The number of times a battery discharges, known as usage cycles, also impacts its lifespan and continued efficiency. The more you use a battery, the less time it will last in chronological terms. It’s also important to note that deep cycling, which discharges a battery to a very low level before recharging, will also shorten the lifespan of lead acid and lithium ion batteries.

Lithium batteries usually have ratings for thousands of usage cycles. For example, many of EcoFlow’s portable power stations last for over 6,500 cycles. Depending on how frequently you use your backup batteries, it could take years to notice any decrease in functionality.

Lead-acid batteries are usually only rated for a few hundred cycles before they start to degrade. If you ever discharge a lead-acid battery below 50%, this will decrease its remaining usage cycles. A lead-acid battery backup may be cheaper upfront, but you’ll have to replace it much more frequently.

3.Temperature

Temperature affects the performance and longevity of both lead-acid and lithium ion batteries. You should keep lithium ion batteries between 0-45°C when charging and between -20-60°C when operating to ensure optimal performance and prolong their lifespan.  

When you expose lithium batteries to high temperatures, the performance decreases. High temperatures can cause the battery’s electrolytes to evaporate, leading to a decrease in the battery’s storage capacity and an increase in its internal resistance.

High temperatures can also cause the battery electrodes to degrade more quickly, reducing the battery’s overall lifespan. Additionally, high temperatures can cause the battery to become unstable, which can increase the risk of thermal runaway and potentially lead to a fire hazard.

Low temperatures can also reduce efficiency. At very low temperatures, the battery’s electrolytes can become thicker, which can increase the battery’s internal resistance. It can result in a decrease in the amount of electricity that the battery can produce and store. Additionally, low temperatures can cause the battery electrodes to degrade more slowly but can increase the discharge rate.