Community Forums

hydro45640 · 06-14-2013, 08:15 PM

Are AGM batteries worth the extra money for house batteries.

srh · 06-14-2013, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hydro45640

Are AGM batteries worth the extra money for house batteries.

AGM batteries are definitely more expensive, dollar for dollar, compared to the flood cell ones, as I just purchased four 6 v deep cells a couple of months ago. But, the maintenance free, less corrosion in the battery bay, I think, is worth it for me. If you are disciplined and meticulous about keeping flood cell batteries maintained, you could choose to fore go the convenience of AGM and save yourself a lot of $s. Good luck with your selection!

dons2346 · 06-14-2013, 09:05 PM

In my opinion, yes they are. I have had Lifeline AGM's since Jan of '04 and haven't touched them other than to wash the dirt off. Haven't even equalized them.

Mr_D · 06-14-2013, 09:15 PM

Or, you could add mineral oil to the cells and almsot totally eliminate corrosion and adding water like a lot of us have.
Here are pictures of my batteries after 4 years of not being cleaned and just adding water as needed.

clyon51 · 06-14-2013, 09:28 PM

This is a personal choice once one is educated. The AGMs are far more expensive! The advantages are some less maintainance issues and because they do not out-gas, you can install them in living space.

However, with a good 3 stage smart charger and wet cell 6v Golf Cart batteries, they will last 10 years too. I go about 1 year before needing to add water and I am on shore 24/7. There is still no doubt that the the wet cells are way more bang for the buck. Again, it is a personal choice based on your wallet and what you are willing to do for maintanence.

Cat320 · 06-15-2013, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346

... Haven't even equalized them...

That's good, AGMs should not be equalized. The Trojan web site says to equalize flooded batteries only.

dons2346 · 06-15-2013, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

That's good, AGMs should not be equalized. The Trojan web site says to equalize flooded batteries only.

Actually, the owners manual for the LifeLine AGM gives specific instructions on how to equalize them if needed.

GaryKD · 06-15-2013, 12:24 PM

Hi hydro45640,
For me, AGM batteries are worth the up front cost. No water to add, spick and span clean battery and compartment for the life of the batteries. I'm at a point in life where I am trying to eliminate items on my "to do" list. AGM batteries are the right choice for me.

wardy · 06-15-2013, 01:13 PM

AGM's is most aspects are the performance kings: They can be safely deeper dis-charged than (most) wet cells. Recharged faster without damage. Use less energy to recharge than wet cells (less internal resistance). More usable amp hours from your battery bank etc. These are not insignificant advantages for many.

1skier · 06-15-2013, 04:09 PM

Just replaced my (4) 6v house batteries and did the cost/benefit analysis between flooded cell and AGM. At this stage of my life (read "available cash flow"), I determined that standard flooded cell batteries with a flow-rite filler system would best fit all my needs. Good luck with your decision!

az bound · 06-15-2013, 04:41 PM

AGMs do not gas off.
Will not freeze even if fully discharged. That is untill -90 F.
Standing discharge rate is around 1% per month. Wet and gel 10% per month.
Can be mounted in any position except inverted.
Less internal resistance, faster charging at higher rates.
Can safely be installed in unvented areas.
Do not stratify.
Are twice as expensive as wet or gel.
They have been my choice for the last 15 years. Getting old and lazy.

**pasdad1** · 06-15-2013, 06:39 PM

Is that a gasoline can in the picture with the battery compartment? I know batteries already

Produce flammable hydrogen gas, is storing gasoline there okay ? Just wondering . . . . .

hes4all · 06-15-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

That's good, AGMs should not be equalized. The Trojan web site says to equalize flooded batteries only.

AGM's should be equalized. Whem AM Solar put my system on they programed it to equalize every 2 months.

They also stated that that was for LIFELINE only and that other brand AGM's were different!

Cat320 · 06-16-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hes4all

AGM's should be equalized. Whem AM Solar put my system on they programed it to equalize every 2 months.

They also stated that that was for LIFELINE only and that other brand AGM's were different!

AGMs normally do not require equalization, bing "battery equalization" and you'll see ...here is one verbatim quote:

"Gel cells and AGMs require no maintenance once the charging system has been properly set up. No equalization charges (usually), no electrolyte to replenish, no specific gravity checks, no additional safety gear to carry on board in order to protect yourself. If you want to be anal retentive about VRLAs you can load test them. However, proper charge control and protection is much more important with VRLAs because once fried it is impossible to revive them."