Winter snow, ice, and wind = downed power lines. Here’s how to select, prep, and maintain emergency batteries — and keep the lights on when the power goes off:
Without electricity in the winter, your entire day is disrupted – and your heater won’t work.
You can’t use your refrigerator, lighting, sump pump, computer, or the internet
You can’t run a business or take care of your family.
And you’ll lose your heating if you use an ultra-efficient cold-climate heat pump or a conventional gas furnace. (Even gas furnaces need electricity to power fans.)
Fortunately, emergency batteries can help you avoid power outages altogether.
In this article, you’ll learn how to protect yourself from winter power outages, including:
Batteries provide clean, reliable, low-carbon energy. And unlike fossil fuel-powered generators, there is no air pollution, noise, or high maintenance requirements.
Generally speaking, people choose emergency batteries to:
Once you’ve determined your goals, you’re ready to select batteries.
We always recommend rechargeable batteries to power small electronics because their lifetime cost is far lower, resulting in a fraction of the waste of single-use batteries.
You'll need a deep-cycle battery bank if you’re looking to power critical appliances or HVAC equipment – or your entire house or business.
Recyclable, flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries are the most common high-capacity emergency batteries and offer:
Note that FLA batteries require venting and a few minutes of monthly maintenance, including watering.
Absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries are near-zero maintenance and engineered for aerospace applications. These sealed batteries offer enhanced longevity, faster charging, and high current delivery. They’re also 99% recyclable and safe in homes.
Both FLA and AGM batteries have decades of safe, economical, real-world use. Look for models whose engineering includes 3D printing, computer-aided modeling, and automated assembly at critical stages.
Lithium-ion (LI) batteries have less market share but also offer near-zero maintenance. Since LI batteries have the highest power density (more energy in a given space), there’s a much higher risk of thermal runaway that leads to home fires. LI models are typically three times as expensive as equally powerful FLA models.
Operating batteries near or below 32°F (0°C) increases a battery’s internal resistance and lowers usable capacity. Low temperatures can even decrease battery life or kill batteries outright.
Store batteries in a cool, dry location that’s around 60°F (15°C) to protect them. Consult your manufacturer’s guidelines for ideal storage temperature ranges. Be sure to ventilate batteries properly. And never store batteries directly on the ground or floor. Instead, use an insulated rack or slab to ensure optimal temperature.
The less energy your batteries have to deliver, the smaller and more affordable the batteries can be.
Whether using your emergency batteries for a few hours’ backup or multi-day, whole-house protection, save yourself money and start by improving your home’s energy efficiency.
To get started, check out our in-depth guide, “How to Reduce Off-Grid Electrical Demands.”
Batteries last longer and stay ready when they’re maintained.
Here’s what we recommend:
With the information you’ve learned, you’re ready to protect yourself from winter power outages – and save time, money, and energy.
To learn more, check out the following resources: