House Batteries: How to Choose, Use and Dispose

 

We live in a world where the significance of batteries can’t be overstated, and it’s important to ensure you always have the right battery. They’re portable storehouses of energy and power for our devices.

Keeping your gadgets powered up is essential to your daily routine, and if you’re one of the many who feel like they’re running out of battery power when they need it most, it’s probably time to stock up on some. For gadgets like remote controls, small toys, tools and more, you can buy house batteries. They’re the most commonly used ones; typically smaller compared to other batteries. With so many options out there, finding the right batteries can turn into a daunting task, so here are a few tips that might help.

How to Choose Batteries for Your Household

Pick the Right Size

To figure out what size batteries you need, just check what battery size your gadget takes. It can be indicated on the device itself, if not, you can look for it in the instruction manual, and if none of the two is an option, you can always google it. 

AAA, AA, C and D batteries are some of the most common sizes. The letters are indicators of size, starting from A onwards, the further the letter in the alphabet, the larger the battery. In cases like AA or AAA, the more times the letter is used, the smaller the battery.

For coin cell batteries, sizing includes two letters followed by four numbers. The first letter indicates the chemical composition, the second one indicates the shape, while the first two numbers indicate diameter, and the second two indicate height. 

Choose Single-Use or Rechargeable Batteries

They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Single-use batteries, also known as primary or non-rechargeable batteries, have an excellent shelf life, won’t cost you much upfront. They work very well in situations where a low amount of power is needed for a long time. They’re most commonly used in flashlights, toys, tools, fire alarms and more.

Rechargeable batteries, on the other hand, may seem pricier, but they can be used again and again, they generate less waste, and can be considered a more cost-effective solution in the long run. They’re mainly used for charging cordless power tools, cordless phones and other devices.

Understand Different Types of Batteries

Knowing how batteries work, and how alkaline differs from lithium and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) from lithium-ion, can help you elect the right type for your application.

Alkaline Batteries

They deliver more power compared to other battery types and are an ideal option for the increasing power demand of everyday devices. Single-use alkaline batteries are commonly used in low-drain devices, such as headlamps, flashlights, toys, remote control devices, clocks and more.

Lithium Batteries

They are suitable for extreme temperatures and long use times. Durable, lightweight and powerful, they’re a preferred option for high-tech devices that require prolonged use. Single-use lithium batteries are a great choice for high-drain devices and for some moderate-drain devices, such as headlamps and toys. 

Rechargeable NiMH Batteries

They’re an eco-friendly option as they can be recharged hundreds of times. They perform well in high-drain devices that require repeated high-powered bursts of energy. Rechargeable NiMH batteries are typically used in high-drain devices or devices that experience prolonged or continuous use. 

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Batteries

They’re found in the form of a slab, block, or battery-pack, more often than in a cylindrical shape. They’re used in smartphones, computers, GPS smart watches, portable power devices and more.

Tips on How to Maintain Your Batteries

Don’t use batteries of different brands or different ages together. To get the most out of your house batteries, keep them away from high or low temperatures because even the ones designed to handle extreme temperatures can experience a decline in performance when exposed to significant temperature differences. It’s also a good idea to remove batteries from devices if they will not be used for months at a time. It can help you prevent a device from exerting a tiny drain on the batteries even when not in use.

Don’t store batteries in locations where heat can become intense, such as attics and garages, for instance. Avoid keeping batteries in a drawer or bag, or anywhere where they may contact metal objects, as it may negatively affect the battery’s polarity.

Tips on How to Dispose of Old Batteries the Right Way

Recycling house batteries plays a big role in reducing potentially hazardous waste and protecting the environment. Unfortunately, the chemical and metal components they contain may harm the environment if not properly disposed of.

The raw materials in single-use batteries, such as steel, zinc, and manganese, can be recycled and reused to create new products. Same as rechargeable batteries, they can be taken to recycling stations to ensure the batteries are recycled and don’t end up in the landfill.