As our homes become smarter and more automated, robot vacuums have become increasingly popular. These handy devices help keep our floors clean without the need for manual labor.
However, the one drawback of robot vacuums is their battery life. If you want to get the most out of your robot vacuum, it’s important to maximize its battery life. A robot vac battery may last 2 – 3 years on average depending on how it’s used and since they aren’t necessarily cheap to replace, extending its lifespan can pay dividends.
Here are five tips to help you extend your robot vacuum’s battery life.
- Choose the Right Battery Type
There are different types of batteries used in robot vacuums, such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. While NiMH batteries are cheaper, Li-ion batteries have a longer lifespan and are more efficient. When choosing a robot vacuum, it’s important to consider the type of battery it uses and choose one that meets your needs.
Depending on the brand and model of robot vac you buy, you can usually replace the battery by removing the bottom cover of the vac and exchanging the old one with a new one. Check the model instructions but it’s typically a quick 10 minute job.
- Use Efficient Cleaning Modes
Some robot vacuums come with different cleaning modes, such as turbo, eco, or spot cleaning. Each mode has a different level of suction power, which affects battery life. By using the most efficient cleaning mode for your needs, you can save battery life and extend the cleaning time of your robot vacuum.
Some other models may only have one or two cleaning modes and may not be energy efficient options. It depends on which robot vacuum you purchase as some come with more choices than others.
- Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for optimizing the performance of your robot vacuum and extending its battery life. This includes cleaning the brushes, filters, and sensors. It’s also important to empty the dustbin regularly to prevent it from getting too full, which can cause the motor to overwork and drain the battery.
Click here to read my article called A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Robotic Vacuum to ensure you clean yours properly.
- Manage Battery Charging
How you charge your robot vacuum can also impact its battery life. It’s best to charge your robot vacuum when it’s running low on battery rather than leaving it plugged in all the time. Overcharging can shorten the lifespan of the battery and reduce its overall capacity.
Having said that, many models come with overcharging protection to prevent this from happening. It’s often recommended to leave your robot vac plugged in and charging if you use it everyday or regularly especially if your model has overcharging protection for convenience and to ensure it’s always charged.
- Optimize Robot Vacuum Usage
Using your robot vacuum efficiently can also help extend its battery life. For example, you can set it to clean only specific areas of your home, rather than the entire house, to save battery life.
It’s also important to avoid using your robot vacuum on carpets that are too thick or have a high pile, as this can cause the motor to work harder and drain the battery faster.
Final thoughts
Maximizing the battery life of your robot vacuum is essential for getting the most out of it. By choosing the right battery type when purchasing it, using efficient cleaning modes, performing regular maintenance, managing battery charging, and optimizing robot vacuum usage, you can help extend the lifespan of your robot vacuum and enjoy cleaner floors for longer.