We find the TV remote controls take a lot of battery power. After a few months, the remotes won't respond to changing the channel, etc. However, those same used batteries are still powerful enough to operate stereo headsets for some time!
By D. Heil
One very common tip is to store batteries in the refrigerator or freezer to make them last longer. Both Energizer and Duracell claim this has no impact on battery life and recommend storing batteries in a cool, dry place. One point all battery manufacturers seem to agree on is that batteries shouldn't be stored in extreme heat.
If you live near an IKEA, buy your AA batteries there. They are only $1.95 for a pack of 10 and they perform just as well as the expensive name brands!
By Erin
I buy batteries in bulk and save a bundle over buying the little packages at the grocery store. Costco and I believe Sam's Club both sell large packages of Duracells for a good price.
By Joe
If you take a pencil eraser and rub both ends of the battery, it will make them last a little longer!
By kerra
On toys, because kids will only play with a toy for a little while then move on, buy the cheapest batteries you can find. Wal-Mart sells some batteries for 96 cents. If you find they use the toy a lot, start using better batteries.
By Anna
Remove batteries from electronics that aren't being used for an extended period of time.
By Rinky
I use the rechargeable batteries by Rayovac (AA and AAA) in everything and I can say they are worth their weight in gold. I have recharged them literally 100's of times and they just keep working. I have saved hundreds of dollars in battery money. I have 8 batteries and the charger holds 4 and they get switched almost daily. They are more expensive to invest in but over the long haul the difference is unreal.
The only problem I have is the kids use them and sometimes misplace them so now I have them exchange their drained batteries for recharged ones. If they get caught stealing them, they have to buy their own and replace mine. I am tough about that but they cost $10 for 4 batteries. After charging them 100's of times they are worth the price.
The charger was about $20 but it has lasted over 2 years and been dropped, so it is a tough little thing. I really think very highly of these and I am a total critic about where my money goes. I still have the original 8 batteries going and use them in my headphones daily.
By H.J.
Use rechargeable batteries. I bought them for my digital camera and now use them for everything.
By T. BURNS
Be sure the buy the batteries recommended in your digital camera manual or batteries which specifically state that they can be used in digital cameras. Most digital cameras will work a lot longer with high-end disposable batteries. Lower end batteries may only give you 10 minutes of operation time.
By Fisher
When using a cell phone or cordless phone, learn about the type of battery you have. Some are designed to last longer if continually charged and some will last longer if left to go dead in between charges. Save on the pocket book, and the irritation of battery failure, by getting to know your batteries.
By Barbie
A common battery in cordless phones and computers is nickel-cadmium. Ever wonder why your nickel-cadmium (NiCad's) don't last as long as they should? You may be overcharging them. Most people's tendency is to put the phone back on the charger between uses, or to use their laptop plugged-in instead of running down the battery, never letting the battery run down too far. Over time this will reduce the amount of charge your battery can hold.
To help condition your batteries, let your phone or computer batteries run down once a month to the point that the battery is nearly out of life. Then charge it fully. This will prolong the life of the battery and maintain the length of charge you expect for longer.
Keep a flashlight in your house that doesn't require batteries. You can buy flashlights that can be charged by winding them up or shaking them. If you run out of batteries, you won't be left in the dark if there is a power outage.
Do you have any more tips for saving money on batteries? Please post them below.
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Hi gang!
I've been using two Nikon Lithium Ion batteries for three years. I purchased them when I bought my digital camera and I charge them regularly.
The only thing I have to add where batteries are concerned is to be careful trying to save money. We put a well known generic battery in our son's portable CD player - - brand new CD player I might add. The very same day that the batteries were put in, they leaked an oily substance everywhere. It completely trashed out the CD player. The batteries were actually bubbling this stuff all over the place. This was one of those instances where using a generic did not save money.
Putting batteries in the fridge to extend their "shelf life" really does work! There is a chemical reaction that slowly depletes batteries even if they are just at rest. Cooler temperatures slow the reaction, higher temperatures speed the reaction. Do not freeze your batteries though.
First time here... hope I'm doing this right... anyway, if you have a WinnDixie grocer near you, check their weekly ads on winndixie.com, they often have their batteries on sale, buy one, get one free!
A good tip is if your going to store something like an emergency radio for an extended time put a piece of plastic wrap between the battery contact and the radio contact then close the battery compartment so the plastic is exposed so next time you need the radio just pull the plastic tab.
I tried storing my batteries in the fridge to make them last longer. They actually ended up dying faster.
Don't throw used AA or AAA batteries. I usually keep them and use them if my wall clocks' (I have seven wall clocks at home) batteries no longer work.
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