Claim: Does putting batteries in the refrigerator make them last longer?

Putting batteries in the refrigerator does not make them last longer, according to major battery manufacturers like Duracell and Energizer. They recommend storing batteries at room temperature, as refrigeration can lead to condensation and potential damage. Some sources suggest that zinc-carbon batteries may benefit slightly from cooler temperatures, but this is not the case for modern alkaline batteries, which are commonly used today. The consensus among experts and manufacturers is that refrigeration is not advisable for battery longevity due to minimal benefits and associated risks. The graders interpret the evidence differently, so the score range widens. Gemini comes in highest (50%), while OpenAI is lowest (30%). Perplexity expresses higher confidence than Gemini on this claim. While some evidence suggests that zinc-carbon batteries may retain capacity better when refrigerated, this is not universally applicable to all battery types, particularly alkaline batteries. Manufacturers explicitly advise against refrigeration, indicating that the risks outweigh any potential benefits. The conflicting views primarily stem from older battery types versus modern alkaline batteries, which dominate the market today. This nuance does not significantly alter the overall verdict, as the predominant recommendation is against refrigeration for battery longevity.