Originally posted by offgrid +1 to Jato. Placing batteries on concrete is fine.

I stand corrected. Doing my due diligence,  I read articles from respected sources that confirm Jato's post content.

That is what I have always done with my motorcycle and boat batteries and I believe that that procedure is the industry recommended procedure.  I do however monitor the batteries as  the Winter progresses and have been taught by others never to leave batteries on unheated concrete.

EDIT: on ground slabs whether heated or not.

There was a time when battery cases were made out of a special wood however with the advent of plastic battery case construction drastically changed sometime in the 1940's I believe.  With wood cases, yes, you would not want to place on a concrete surface as it would discharge the battery.  However with plastic that is no longer the case - pardon the play on words here.  If it were a problem, my 9+ year old batteries would no longer be useful or work as well as they do.

Originally posted by jato Our flooded cell batteries are 12v Interstate group size 24, deep cycle marines.  Since we took ownership of our 177 back in March 2011 I simply take off the ground cable when not using, doesn't take very long to do.  Interesting mcarter to add acid with the distilled water, never heard of that.  Just adding distilled water (from our dehumidifier) for the past 9+ years has worked well for us.  And when we get to winter  (northern Michigan) both batteries are removed in November and set on the concrete floor in our unheated garage.  They each receive a 2 amp trickle charge for 24-36 hours and then 'hibernate' all winter until the following mid-late April where the process is repeated and then re-installed around May 1.  Batteries are kept clean by washing with baking soda 2x/year. Also key is keeping an eye on the water level.

That is what I have always done with my motorcycle and boat batteries and I believe that that procedure is the industry recommended procedure.  I do however monitor the batteries as  the Winter progresses and have been taught by others never to leave batteries on unheated concrete.

EDIT: on ground slabs whether heated or not.

I say yes do charge at home, but understand the draw/charge cycle and how to balance it. 

I say this as MHO and not knowing your particular situation.. Batteries love attention and the more you give them, the longer they last.

Except for the last few weeks while I've been trying out some solar alternatives, my Pod has been plugged in 24/7 since 2014. My WFCO bit the dust two years ago and I replaced it with:

I run dual Duracell:

I replaced batteries last year. They were on sale for like $100.00/battery. I figured 5 years for $200.00 was a good deal.

So I would say...keep it plugged in and let the charger do what it does.

Plugged into the house is great for keeping the battery charged. Periodically check the electrolyte level if you have a flooded cell battery (not needed if sealed). If you want to disconnect it, there are two ways:

1. Remove the negative battery cable when not plugged in or in use.

2. Install a battery cut-off switch that you can turn off when not plugged in or in use.

Either one will help keep the battery from being discharged by the constant draw from things like the LP/CO detector.