Buying rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of money in a short amount of time. If you use technology gadgets such as digital cameras and handheld games, rechargeable batteries are almost a must. Not only can you save money by using rechargeable batteries, but you can also save on the amount of toxins from batteries that go into landfills.
Types of batteries
Pick nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for high-capacity charges. Although you can purchase D batteries that are rechargeable, the larger batteries don't hold their charge as well as smaller AA and A batteries do. While these NiMH batteries stay charged for quite a while, you shouldn't depend on them for items such as smoke detectors or flashlights because they do lose their charge over time whether they get used or not. NiMH batteries can have numerous charges over their lifetime, but it's best to let the batteries run down before you charge them rather than repeatedly "topping them off" with a new charge. Most electronic devices shut themselves off before damaging the batteries, although flashlights may let the rechargeable batteries run down to a point where the batteries may no longer take a charge.
You may still find older nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable batteries, but avoid purchasing them. The technology for the NiMH batteries and their improved charge-holding capacity more than justifies any differences in costs.
Select the newer low self discharge (LSD) NiMH batteries for a battery with long storage capacity. Once charged, these NiMH batteries have the same shelf life as alkaline batteries. These batteries are available in all sizes, but the AAA and AA size are more common than the C, D and 9-volt sizes.
Battery Capacity
Look for batteries with a higher milliampere hour (mAh) rating. This refers to the amount of electricity delivered at any given moment. Electronic devices can handle a range of mAh without damaging the device. So as the rechargeable batteries begin to lose power, they do no damage to the device. Batteries with a higher mAh may look exactly like a battery with a lower mAh but typically they cost more.
Battery Chargers
Buy the battery charger that suits your needs. In some instances you can purchase the charger and batteries as a package deal, but if you want your battery charger to maintain your rechargeable batteries properly, you may need to pay more for special features.
Look for a battery charger that recharges a variety of battery sizes. Select a unit that has a reconditioning cycle. This keeps you from overcharging your batteries. Some models do this automatically while others have a switch you must flip to go into reconditioning mode.
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