What is a Roomba Battery Replacement?
There we have tough competition between the Tenergy 5200mAh battery and the Lithium Roomba 4400mAh replacement battery. If you are a big fan of Lithium-ion batteries and can sacrifice a few minutes of battery timing for it then Lithium Roomba 4400 mAh battery is perfect for you. But if you want to get some extra operational hours from your battery then go with Tenergy 5200 mAh battery. There can be different types of replacement batteries for Roomba:
Lithium Batteries
They use lithium as an anode and are also known as Lithium metal batteries. They are characterized by high charge density and high cost per unit. The voltage may vary in the range of 1.5 Volt – 3.7 Volt.
Lithium-ion Batteries
In these batteries, the ions move from the negative electrode to the positive one while discharging and in the opposite direction while charging. These are featured with high charge density and low maintenance which is why they are used in some Roomba models.
NiMH Batteries
NiMH batteries or Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries are the ones where the reaction at the positive electrode is the same as that of a Nickel-Cadmium cell. One major problem with these batteries is the Memory Effect due to which they tend to hold a lesser charge than expected. This problem is not present in Lithium batteries and hence they are preferred by many over NiMH ones.
Are Roomba Batteries Replaceable?
Yes, Roomba batteries are replaceable. Roomba batteries can be replaced so that you may have comfort to infinity and beyond. A detailed procedure on how to replace Roomba batteries is also given in this article.
How Much is a Roomba Battery?
Depending upon the charging capacity and material used in the production of batteries, the price ranges from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It all depends upon the fact of how much you want to pay for your comfort.
How to Replace Roomba Battery?
So far, we have discussed the various options that you have for replacing the Roomba batteries. You can choose the replacement battery for iRobot Roomba that seems to be the best for you and after you’ve got hold of it, the next question that will come to your mind is how to replace the Roomba battery. Well, Roomba battery replacement is no rocket science. Just follow the steps explained below:
- To replace the batteries, the first step you need to perform is to remove the side brushes. So first remove the screws of the brushes and then the brushes.
- The next step is to remove the four screws at the bottom and finally the bottom cover.
- Finally, it is time to remove the battery. Though the procedure is the same for most of the models, you can refer to the instructions given by the manufacturers to be aware of the exact process involved in yours.
- Once you have removed the battery, it is time to install the same. This can be as simple as dropping the battery to the given space, though it might require a few additional steps in some cases, depending on the model under consideration.
- Once you have installed the battery, with the iRobot logo facing up, put it to charge for the entire night. The concept is similar to buying a new phone or laptop and charging it overnight before beginning to use it.
And you are done! Your Roomba battery is now replaced and Roomba is ready to use!
What to do if your Roomba is not Holding a Charge?
Even after charging your smart vacuum cleaner for the appropriate duration, you may sometimes find that it is not holding the charge to perform its tasks. Why does this happen? What is the way out?
Well, under such a situation you need to perform a sixteen-hour battery reset. This may help in improving the runtime.
It can also be possible due to a displacement of the battery. It may happen that the battery has been shifted a bit away from where it should have ideally been and hence the problem. So, in such a case, it is advisable to plug it off, remove the battery, place it in the proper position, and then start charging.
Another possibility can be faulty parts which is a common issue and it is advisable to contact the manufacturer to solve the same as they will get that part replaced for free if it is under warranty.
How to Charge Roomba Vacuum Battery?
If you are using it for the first time, you may not know how to charge the battery. Roomba’s battery should be charged fully before it gets into operation. What you need to do is, connect the line cord to the Home Base and dock your bot. The duration for charging Roomba should be at least two hours and when done for the first time, it should be an overnight process.
Let us get familiar with the different colors in which the battery symbol may blink to indicate the charging status:
- The Amber color indicates that it is charging. The solid green color of the symbol means the bot is fully charged whereas a solid red color means the battery is empty and needs to be recharged soon.
- Flashing Red indicates that the battery is too low to begin the cleaning operation and needs to be charged immediately.
- You also need to be aware of the concept of Refresh Charge. If the machine is left away from its charging station for long and the charge has considerably drained, it will begin charging on its own!
The time period of the Refresh Charge is usually 16 hours. During this time, do not disturb it and let it charge on its own.
How to Maximize the Battery Life of Roomba
Who doesn’t want their electronic goods to work for a longer period of time without replacing the battery? For obvious reasons, you would want your Roomba battery to have a long life. It would be quite economical as you will not need to replace the battery frequently.
Also, increasing the Roomba battery life will help in keeping the bot operational for the duration claimed by the seller. There are a few tips that you need to know to ensure the same:
1. Cleaning the Brushes
The basic step would be to clean the brushes regularly. It is quite obvious that your Roomba while clearing the litter and hair of your pet, will gather a lot of dust and dirt in its brushes.
If not cleaned from time to time, the machine will find it difficult to carry on with its cleaning activities with those brushes. It will work harder to make the brushes spin, eventually affecting the Roomba battery life. It is thus advisable to clean the brushes at least once a week.
2. Charge it Often
This applies mainly to Nickel-based batteries. The unit should be kept at the charging station while not in use. However, care should be taken to ensure that the charging is not done for a few days at a stretch.
3. Drain the Battery
It is advisable to run the battery and exhaust it frequently to keep it in a healthy condition. It’s just like avoiding the rusting of locks by using them regularly.
4. Store it Properly
Just like the other electronic gadgets you own, your Roomba needs to be kept in a cool place as heat can cause severe damage to it. Avoid direct sunlight and ensure that it gets enough room for breathing. For this, keep it away from other appliances producing heat.
5. Roomba Deserves Holiday
When you are on a vacation, Roomba also deserves the same. So, before going out, place it on “Vacation Mode”. For this, first, charge the battery completely. Then, flip it over and remove the battery by removing the screws that lock the battery door. Now place the battery in a cool place as discussed earlier. On returning, charge it to the full and drain the same. Thereafter, you can continue with your routine with the bot.
Following the above-mentioned tips, you can ensure the long life of your iRobot Roomba battery and avoid the usual Roomba battery problems.
How to Reset Roomba Battery?
A Roomba battery reset is suggested when you find the bot to become less effective in its work which is a sign that the battery has become exhausted.
Resetting the battery is basically the regeneration of the same. It helps in increasing the life span of your battery. Let us find out how this can be done.
- First of all, remove the Roomba from its charge base. iRobot Roomba battery reset should never be performed while on the charge station.
- The next step would be to switch it on and press the ‘Clean’ button.
- Now, press and hold the ‘ Spot and ‘ Dock buttons. You will find these buttons above and below the ‘Clean’ button, respectively. The pressing and holding need to be done for about ten seconds. On releasing the buttons, you will find the Roomba making noise and start.
- Finally, place it back in the charging station till the green light around the ‘Clean’ button is lit. And that’s all! You have successfully reset it. Now what needs to be done is to reset its time and date and schedule the cleaning.
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