A method which extends the useful life of a lead-acid type battery by applying conductive cooling or heating directly to the bottom surface of the battery to maintain the battery at a constant temperature of about 25° C. regardless of the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The method for thermally managing the battery comprises the steps of providing an equipment cabinet having an equipment chamber, providing the cabinet with a battery compartment exposed to ambient temperature changes, providing the battery, placing the battery in the battery compartment, providing a cold plate having a surface substantially coextensive with the surface of the battery, placing the surface of the cold plate in direct contact with the surface of the battery, providing a heating pad, placing the heating pad in direct contact with the cold plate, providing an insulation pad, and placing the insulation pad between the heating pad and a mounting for the cabinet.