What does a Garden Gnome do when she is not gardening, in the kitchen or doing genealogy? Well the answer might just surprise you so read the entries to find out more. This blog focuses on everything we do to make our house a home. There will be a strong emphasis on home energy efficiency and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. At the same time there will also be crafts, knitting and crocheting projects along with any other little tips we do to create that down to earth, I want to be here home. Please enjoy your visit :)




Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts

Monday, December 20, 2010

Core Charge on Batteries

Batteries have rechargeable life span so any rechargeable battery from AAA to 12 V will at some point need to be replaced.  All batteries whether rechargeable or not should be disposed of in a manner that they do not contaminate land fills.  In most cases batteries are disposed as a hazardous waste via special hazardous waste disposal sites or through the repair shop or store where you bought the batteries.  To ensure you dispose of the old batteries properly there is a provincial  (Canada) or state (United States) fee charged on the purchase of the new 6 V, 8 V or 12 V batteries that is refunded when the old battery is brought back.  There may or may not be an additional battery disposal fee.   If the battery is replaced at an auto repair shop or similar type repair shop for other battery powered equipment (eg. golf carts) the fee is waived although any battery disposal fee is still charged if applicable. 

It was rather nice that we were able to return the old golf cart batteries to get our $9 back per battery.  That ended up being a refund of $45 and we did not have the hassle of finding another eco-friendly way of disposing them.  We didn't get the $9 refund for the battery that blew as it was too damaged to transport safely.  It ended up going into the hazardous waste collection in our vacation home community.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010


Sunday, December 19, 2010

Golf Cart Battery Problem

We certainly are not strangers to large battery operated power having had an RV for a number of years that used a deep cycle 12 V battery and now a boat using two 12V deep cycle marine batteries.   Large batteries meant for marine, RV, golf cart and solar use range from 6V to 12V depending on the usage.  If the power is meant to be depleted before a full charge then a deep cycle battery is needed and usually the batteries are in pairs so you are using one while the other is being recharged.  These batteries differ from vehicle batteries that receive a constant charge from the alternator each time the vehicle is operated.

exploded battery
Solar power requires deep cycle batteries and one of the problems stressed is batteries can and do blow-up.  If they blow sulphuric acid is released in larger amounts but small amounts can be released under normal use.  This is why batteries of this size should not be stored in living spaces but rather in a separate battery shed if used for solar.  Special battery boxes are recommended for RV and marine use.

A battery bank of 6 - 8 V batteries sits below the seat on our golf cart.  This is the power that allows the golf cart to operate.  They are charged via an electrical battery charger.  Well, one of our batteries blew.  It likely was going from the time we bought the cart but chose this particular time to go.  If you heard the noise you would certainly know why and oh my gosh it was loud!  Thank goodness it was outdoors as there was a bit of battery acid spillage.  We neutralized the spillage with a baking soda solution.  We also washed the tools used to remove the battery with the same solution to neutralize any battery acid that may have got on them.

These larger batteries aren't cheap but if looked after properly will give dependable service for several years.  However, like a car battery at some point they will need to be replaced.  Given the condition of the batteries in the golf cart rather than replace just the blown battery we replaced all 6.  The batteries cost $79.82 each plus a state fee of $1.50 and a core charge fee of $9 for a total cost of $541.92.  Under normal usage these batteries should last about 4 years.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2010