Phenquestions
For most of us whose lifelines are connected online, it is of utmost importance that our computers stay on all the time. For laptop users, the battery is our laptop's salvation in case of power outages or if we are trapped in places where power outlets are not readily available. Due to this reason, we always make it a point to fully charge the battery or to bring a spare along if we're always on the go. That is if the battery is user-replaceable. But as we all know, batteries will inevitably reach their end of life. Heat, heavy usage, and age are some of the factors that shorten the battery's life. So how do we know if it's already time to replace our batteries?Read on for some tell-tale signs for you to know when to shop for a new one.
Declining Capacity
Every laptop is different, but the battery's lifespan is usually between two and four years.[1] On a daily basis, a fully charged battery can last between one to ten hours, depending on usage. The programs running extensively in the background greatly affects the battery's capacity. For example, if there are software applications that are running round the clock, the battery would drain faster than normal. This would gradually reduce the battery's capacity, and its lifespan would eventually decrease as the laptop ages. If you notice that the battery drains faster than it used to, it's time to consider buying a new one.
Sudden Death
Sometimes the battery would just fail for no apparent reason. One fine day, our laptop suddenly won't start-up. Several reasons can cause boot-up problems, but the most common is a defective battery. When this happens, remove the battery and turn the laptop on with just the charger plugged in, if it turns on, then the charger is working fine, and your laptop is still good to go. Put back the battery and make sure it's seated properly. When the battery icon still shows a red X or just an X for some laptops, or there isn't any battery icon at all, the battery may already be dead.[2] This is only applicable for user-replaceable batteries. Otherwise, you have to bring your laptop to the manufacturer's service center or your local repair tech to have the battery tested.
Overheating
Damaged batteries can also overheat. Sometimes, this is due to a manufacturing defect, as in the case with Sony, which caused Dell and Apple to call for a battery recall.[3] If this is the case, send in your battery for a free replacement as soon as possible. Otherwise, if your overheating battery is not part of any recall program, it's best to buy a replacement before it can cause serious damage to other hardware components of your laptop or, in worst cases, can cause physical injuries or start a fire.
Computer Freeze
Some operating systems have a feature that adjusts the computer's performance when on battery. This is for the system to conserve power and last longer when not plugged in. Windows, for example, has Power Options where the user can change the computer's performance when on the battery or when plugged in. It is not recommended to let the computer run on optimum performance when on battery, as this might damage the computer's hardware by consuming more power than what the battery can produce. This causes the computer to crash or freeze. But you might give your battery some checking when all the options are set to a minimum, and the system still crashes or freezes only when on battery. It may be discharging power faster than it should and is already calling for a replacement.
Battery Diagnostic Errors
Laptop batteries can be hefty on the pocket. Therefore, if you're unsure whether the battery is indeed the culprit for the issues you're encountering, it is best to run some tests first. Manufacturers usually include battery diagnostic tools for battery monitoring or testing. If it doesn't have one, you can install third-party software that can analyze your battery's performance. There is numerous software available online, just search for free ones if you want to save some bucks, but make sure you read the reviews first. In any case, these tools will usually show errors if the battery is faulty.
You can also make use of the Windows Battery Report to monitor your battery's health. This is accessible via the command prompt (cmd) in Windows 7, 8, and 10. For Windows 8 and 10, open up cmd and type powercfg /batteryreport, then press Enter. It is slightly different for Windows 7, where the command to type is powercfg -energy. These will generate a battery report inside Windows\system32 folder and Users\Your Username folder on your C: drive for Windows 7 and Windows 8 and 10, respectively. This will give a full report of your battery's performance, but the one you should pay attention to is the Design Capacity and Full Charge Capacity under the Installed batteries section. If the Full Charge Capacity is constantly way lower than the Design Capacity, then your battery might be saying goodbye soon.[4]
MAC also comes with its battery monitoring tool. You just need to press and hold the Alt/Option key while clicking the battery icon on the top right of the desktop. You will then see the condition status of your battery: Normal, Replace Soon, Replace Now, and Service Battery. Obviously, the third and fourth statuses indicate you need a new battery immediately.[5]
Buying Replacement Batteries
Laptop batteries can be pricey, especially if you're buying an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). For this reason, plenty of compatibles emerged in the market. Undoubtedly, these can help you save a lot as these are significantly cheaper than the OEM, but do note that there are risk factors involved. It may not have the same fully charged capacity as the original. Additionally, it may deteriorate faster. Lastly, it may be hazardous because there are reported cases of batteries catching fire or exploding. Besides, any damage to your laptop caused by a third-party battery is not covered by the warranty. It is therefore highly recommended to purchase OEM replacements or face the consequences of using non-originals.
Sources:
[1] Computer Hope. “How long should a laptop battery last?”, 24 Jan 2018, https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001236.htm Accessed 22 Oct 2020
[2] Whitson, Gordon, “What to Do if Your Laptop Is Plugged In But Not Charging”, 28 Apr 2020, https://sea.pcmag.com/laptops/15802/what-to-do-if-your-laptop-is-plugged-in-but-not-charging Accessed 22 Oct 2020
[3] Hunter, Kelly, “The Most Common Laptop Battery Problems”, N.d., https://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/121886/laptops/the_most_common_laptop_battery_problems.html Accessed 22 Oct 2020
[4] Frankenstein Computers and Networking. “How to check your laptop battery health (Windows 7, 8, and 10)”, 07 Nov 2020 https://www.fcnaustin.com/check-laptop-battery-health-windows-7-8-10/ Accessed 22 Oct 2020
[5] Haslam, Karen, “How to test a MacBook battery: see if it needs replacing & replace it”, 13 Feb 2020 https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/test-macbook-battery-replace-3782442/ Accessed 22 Oct 2020
