Hydrogen water bottles are not only handy but also surprisingly cost-effective in the long run. After using at least 20 different bottles from various brands, I can say that they have changed my life forever. I simply cannot imagine a single day without hydrogen water!
If you can relate to this feeling, have you ever panicked, thinking about what would happen if your favorite hydrogen water generator suddenly STOPPED functioning? What would you do if you couldn’t find another one you like as much?
These questions lead to the most obvious one: how long can we expect a hydrogen water bottle to LAST? Well, nothing lasts forever, but we won’t get philosophical here. Instead, let’s find out all about their longevity.
So, How Long Exactly Do Hydrogen Water Generators Last?
It is natural to ask about the lifespan of a hydrogen water bottle, especially if you have started using one recently. However, determining a specific duration can be tough, as the LONGEVITY of these bottles depends on multiple factors that we will discuss shortly.
From my observations, hydrogen water machines generally last between 2 and 5 years, or possibly longer if you take proper care of them. While I have yet to use them for an extended period, three of my favorite bottles have been working flawlessly for over two years.
Factors Affecting Longevity Of Hydrogen Water Bottles
Several key factors influence the longevity of hydrogen water bottles, including the frequency of use, the shelf life of the membrane, and battery life.
1. Shelf Life Of The Membrane
The PEM membrane, i.e., the electrolytic membrane sandwiched between the SPE electrodes, plays a central role in separating hydrogen and oxygen atoms from water molecules during the preparation of hydrogen-rich water. Since the membrane is a critical component, its quality and shelf life will directly impact the longevity of the generator.
These technologies work together to carry out a sophisticated version of electrolysis using a solid film-like membrane, the PEM membrane, that facilitates ion exchange. PEM membranes are considered the latest and most suitable type used in hydrogen water bottles today, owing to their design, durability, and conductivity.
I have recently come across more advanced DuPont membranes that are used in modern hydrogen water bottles. Those are the latest SPE/PEM membranes that you will come across in the majority of the bottles available today. Known for their superior quality and high durability, these membranes can even last for 10 years.
In all practicality, the shelf-life of membranes will again depend on various parameters like usage conditions, quality of water you use to generate hydrogen water, etc. But you can find out an estimate of the longevity of the membrane in your water bottle using a simple mathematical formula –
Shelf-life of the membrane (in days) = Total membrane hours / Usage hours per day
So, if your bottle membrane is said to have a lifespan of 500 hours, and you use your bottle for roughly 10 minutes to prepare hydrogen water two times a day, you can expect your membrane shelf-life to be –
500 hours / (1/3 hour every day) = 1500 days, i.e., 4 years approximately.
[Note that 10 minutes a day means roughly 1/6th of an hour, so twice daily will be 1/3rd of an hour.]
2. Battery life
Your hydrogen water bottle runs on a rechargeable battery, usually a Lithium-ion battery, like all other portable small appliances. This is why you need to charge the bottle when indicated by the battery LOW indication light.
Now, the lifespan of the battery is another critical factor that decides the SHELF-LIFE of your hydrogen water cup. And that, in turn, depends on the battery capacity, frequency of use, and following the charging best practices.
A. Battery Capacity
The higher the battery capacity of your bottle, the more number of times you can use it before recharging. I used a standard 1000 mAh hydrogen water bottle before buying a 2500 mAh one and then a 3000 mAh bottle.
I can tell you the difference. While I could use my 1000 mAh bottle roughly 8 times after charging it fully, my 3000 mAh bottle allowed me up to 20 or 25 uses between two full charges.
So, instead of the smaller ones, you can buy a hydrogen water machine with a higher battery capacity. A more powerful battery drains slower than a less powerful one, which means the battery wear and tear is also slow, thereby supporting a longer shelf-life of your bottle.
B. Best Practices For Charging
It is essential to follow the hydrogen water jar charging best practices to ensure a longer battery life. For instance, you should never overcharge your bottle; as soon as the LED indicates that it is fully charged, just disconnect it from the charger immediately.
However, we should never keep it plugged into the charger throughout the day, and also, make sure to completely utilize the charge before charging the battery again.
Following these simple steps goes a long way in ensuring the longevity of the battery and, hence, your hydrogen water bottle.
3. Frequency Of Use
The number of times we use our hydrogen water generators significantly impacts their shelf life. The more frequently we utilize our bottles to produce hydrogen-infused water, the greater the WEAR and TEAR on their electrolytic components and battery.
Over a long period, using them several times a day will naturally cause more wear and tear than intermittent application. That is why it is important to invest in a high-quality hydrogen water bottle, preferably with a DuPont membrane and a powerful battery, for extensive and long-term use.
Bottles from brands such as Piurify are widely acclaimed for their ROBUST QUALITY. I have been personally using them continuously for a little over two years now, and I am highly impressed by the quality of their build and performance to date.
Apart from these factors, the lifespan of hydrogen water bottles also depends on their overall quality and how well we maintain them. Proper and regular maintenance, following appropriate guidelines, will help maximize their longevity.
Do Hydrogen Water Machines Need To Be Replaced?
Generally speaking, you do not need to replace your hydrogen water bottle. However, it is crucial to follow the maintenance and care guidelines provided by the manufacturer. This will ensure that your bottle operates SAFELY and FLAWLESSLY for the longest possible time.
If any part or component of the bottle gets damaged, you will need to check the warranty policy and consider replacing specific parts.
How Can You Maximize The Shelf-life Of Your Hydrogen Water Bottle?
I have tested many hydrogen water generators from various brands, and every time I have bought one, I had the intention of using it for the maximum possible time. Despite being very meticulous about using and maintaining them, there have been instances when a bottle just gave up on me!
However, I am not the one to give up – I have continued with all the practices that help maximize the lifespan of these bottles, and most of my hydrogen water bottles are pretty much up and running even now!
Let me share how you can also maximize the shelf-life of your generator.
- Usage Guidelines: While hydrogen water bottles can often be used with regular tap water, some manufacturers specify the use of mineral water or purified water, but I don’t recommend distilled water. Before using your bottle, check the manufacturer’s usage guidelines to prevent any potential damage.
- Cleaning Instructions: Regularly washing your hydrogen water bottle and deep cleaning it periodically helps prevent mineral buildup. Always read and follow the cleaning and care instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging your bottle.
- Quality and Brand Recommendations: Whenever possible, invest in quality by choosing reliable brands known for their reputable products. For instance, consider purchasing hydrogen water bottles from brands such as IonBottles or Piurify.
- Proper Storage: Store your bottle in a cool, dry place when it is not in use. Proper storage will help maintain the bottle’s longevity.
- Charging Tips: Avoid overcharging your bottle or charging it before the battery is fully utilized, as these practices can damage the battery and shorten the bottle’s lifespan. Always follow the charging instructions and never overcharge your bottle.
Key Takeaways
With proper maintenance and care, hydrogen water bottles can last for 5 years or even more.
The shelf-life of your hydrogen water jar depends on multiple factors, like battery life, membrane lifespan, and frequency of use, quality of water used.
DuPont PEM membranes offer the best performance in terms of superior quality and longevity.
Maximizing the shelf-life of hydrogen water bottles by following the right usage, maintenance, storage, and charging best practices is possible.
Generally, high-quality bottles with powerful batteries can endure extensive usage better and last longer.