In cold winter, heated jackets are almost an essential piece of clothing for everyone. But how long can a heated jacket last? Do you need to purchase new jacket every year? This article explains the lifespan of heated jackets and heat retention time of jackets from two aspects.
It’s an important question to ask when shopping for a jacket: how long do jackets last? When you are looking for a jacket, the lifespan of your purchase depends on several factors.
In general, a well-made jacket made of durable materials such as leather, cotton or heavy-duty nylon can easily last for 10-20 years, while cheaper jacket made of low quality materials may only last for a season or two with heavy usage.
How much you use your jacket and for what greatly impact its lifespan. The way you store it is also an important factor.
For example, storing your heated jacket in a cool, dry place and protecting it from too harsh weather conditions can help it last longer.
Additionally, regularly cleaning and maintaining your jacket, such as by washing it or having it dry cleaned, can help to extend its lifespan – But the optimal frequency of washing varies widely and depends on the type of jacket.
Quality materials are essential for durability but proper care is also key. Knowing what signs of wear and tear to look out for can help extend the life expectancy of any type of jacket
What Determines A heated Jackets Life Span?
When it comes to the durability of a heated jacket, there are several factors that come into play.
The quality of materials used is one of the most important considerations when selecting a heated jacket.
A High-quality heated jacket, for example, can last up to 10 years if properly cared for and maintained. The followings show some main factors affecting lifespan of heated jackets
The frequency of use
This is perhaps the most important factor that affects the longevity of a jacket. Jackets (especially those made from materials such as leather) will last longer if worn only occasionally rather than on a daily basis because these materials take longer to break down over time with frequent wear and tear.
In general, the more you wear a heated jacket the shorter it lasts. Usage is the single most important variable in your control when it comes to heated jacket lifespan.
Lighter weight shells with waterproof membranes may need replacing sooner due to their thinner construction which makes them more susceptible to damage from abrasion or punctures caused by sharp objects like rocks or branches while out on trails.
Heated jackets will lose their functionality quicker if you use them a lot. If they get dirty and sweaty that decreases their lifespan even further.
Care & maintenance
How you are treating your heated jacket also play an important role in the life span of any type of heated jacket regardless its material composition or intended purpose.
The better you care for your heated jacket, the longer it will last.
Regularly cleaning your outerwear according to manufacturer instructions helps keep dirt at bay which can cause fabric fibers weaken over time leading premature breakdowns in performance.
This goes for features like breathability or waterproofing capabilities found in some models designed specifically for outdoor activities like skiing or snowboarding where exposure elements could become extreme at times.
Storage conditions
Storing your gear away from direct sunlight whenever possible helps prevent fading colors due excessive UV rays exposure which could lead discoloration issues eventually affecting overall look.
Even though this does not necessarily impact functionality directly it is still worth mentioning here nonetheless since visual appeal often matters to subjective longevity of a jacket (some people throw away a jacket after a tiny scratch or stain).
Finally, wear and tear should always be taken seriously so you know when exactly to replace your current piece with something new before things get worse potentially putting yourself in a dangerous situation outdoors.
Durability factors such as the type of fabric, construction, and care all play a role in determining how long your heated jacket will last.
The above is only considering factors related to the heated jacket itself, and the next step is to consider issues such as insulation and heat dissipation of jackets.
When talking about heated jackets, we often see the question like “How long will it last?” “Is the heating time long enough for my working hours?” To answer this question, you need a better understanding of the features determine the working time of the battery heated jackets- Battery, Heating Elements, and the proper way of Maintenance.
The power of the heated jacket comes from the battery, of course. As a part of the heating system, the battery’s capacity plays an essential role, as it determines the working time of the jacket. At the same time, the battery’s working time will also be affected by other factors like temperature, and temperature, and humidity.
-Battery Capacity
The battery is expected to provide enough power when you are working or attending activities outside. Please take a look at the battery before you buy the heated jacket, and you can see the mAh (milliamp hours) marked on it. Most of the batteries on the markets are 5200 mAh /6700 mAh. And some batteries have a larger capacity, such as Ptahdus’, which can provide power for up to 8 hours at low level.
-Material
The battery material is also an important factor. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, are widely adopted in the heated apparel industry, as they have a higher energy density, voltage capacity, and lower self-discharge rate than other rechargeable batteries. They are more stable and can be recharged hundreds of times. Compared to other types of batteries, lithium-ion batteries feature better power efficiency as the single-cell has longer charge retention.
-Other Factors
Outside factors such as temperature and weather will influence the heating time. Working in a cold environment may affect the battery’s performance, as it can speed up the power consumption. Although all types of batteries will be affected by low temperature, lithium-ion batteries are the least affected ones on the market thanks to their stability. So if your heated apparel is equipped with lithium-ion batteries, it can last for a longer time than others when working outdoors during winter.
Heating Elements
The heating element is used to conduct heat. The thermal conductivity, which is determined by the material, affects the thermal efficiency of the heating element. Carbon fiber is an excellent material and the best choice for the heat-conducting part of battery heated jacket.
-The Number of the Heating Zones
Obviously, the more heating zones your jacket is equipped with, the more heat you get. But more heating zones means more power consumption. So if you need additional zones to provide heat, you may need to compromise the longer battery working time.
-Locations of the Heating Zones
Putting it in the core area of the body can ensure the efficient use of thermal energy and reduce the waste of power to extend the working time of the battery heated jacket. For the jacket, 5 heating zones with hand warmer: carbon fiber heating elements powered by Li-battery creates and distributes warmth to the chest, back, and hand warmers in front pockets, to provide the exceptional warmth without wasting heat.
Maintenance
A heating system can be divided into 2 parts: a battery and the heating panels (in the apparel). In order to extend the lives of the products, the proper maintenance of the battery and the apparel is necessary.
-For the Battery
- Fully Charge before first use.
- Fully Charge every 3 months.
- Recommended operating temperate: from 14°F to 86°F (-10°c to 30°C).
- Store the battery where the temperature: from 41℉ to 50℉(5°C to 10°C)is optimal.
- Always remember to unplug the battery if long time no use.
-For the Apparel
Correctly store your heated apparel can prolong its life. When the days are getting warmer if you are going to store your heated apparel, keep it in a dry and clean place. Plus, the right way of washing can extend its life too.
Go out fearlessly this winter. A well-made and long-lasting heated jacket can keep you warm and toasty till you are home.
