Cold weather and investigations

[razor]

Has anyone documented how cold weather (winter, say under 35 degrees) affects investigations? I haven't seen many investigations on TV that occur during the winter, is that just coincidence or deliberate? Cold spots and how an entity would draw energy from something in the cold, like a battery, would be interesting.

[matt2009]

Well, cold weather drains batteries. Last winter we investigated an abandoned theater with no power or heat and we were having a lot of problems with batteries draining. Also, if there's a lot of snow covering a house, there could be carbon monoxide, and lower nonlethal levels can cause people to feel uneasy or nauseas, which could explain some reports of activity.

[razor]

Weather, battery draining, and activity would be an interesting result. Would an entity have to "compete" with the cold to get battery power sufficient to manifest?

[matt2009]

In my opinion, ghosts don't drain batteries. IF they exist, I believe they would BE some form of energy already and wouldn't need to suck the energy from batteries and appliances to manifest. Battery drainage could just be a natural reaction between the battery and the ghost's energy. I've found that a lot of time on investigations, your battery will drain but then as soon as you leave the site it will mysteriously be fully charged again.

[fbnstephen]

Really, the reason that you don't see many cold weather investigations on the TV shows is that it is really hard on the investigators - In November we investigated a location that had no heat. (the temp outside was in the upper 40's) Long exposure to lower temps drains endurance and you don't think as clearly.
When you get into freezing temps, you have other problems, such as visible breath - scuff noise from heavier coats and that doesn't account for the possible strain on the technical equipment. (LCD displays generally don't like the cold.)
Basically, I think that the answer is: it's harder, so people don't do it as often.

[midnite1984]

I've always wondered if an entity would have less energy to work with when it's cold, therefore reducing the chances of a paranormal experience. As far as battery life in cold temps... when it gets to be around 45 degrees and under, certain chemicals in the battery that require heat to perform slow down or stop functioning altogether. The battery doesn't drain out, it just stops working until it gets somewhere where there is enough heat to function again. Tip: I use those hand/foot air activated charcoal pack warmers on stuff like my cell phone and camera when I'm in cold temps. They're quite effective.