A lot of appliances and gadgets use batteries. Even with lithium batteries becoming more common, and the technologies behind modern batteries advancing rapidly, there haven’t been a lot of changes to the shape or form of common batteries.
Batteries are getting more affordable too. Even so, there are still ways you can save more and solve battery-related issues without hassle. Here are the top five battery-related life hacks that will turn you into a power guru.
Cs to Ds
As mentioned before, batteries come in different sizes. AA and AAA batteries are the most common ones used by gadgets, but there are other sizes too. Some flashlights, for example, use C and D batteries, with the former being the most common.
You can actually turn C-sized batteries into D batteries. All you have to do is add several coins between the contact point of the battery and the contact point of the device. There is no other adjustment to make. The next time you can’t find any D batteries for your emergency light, grab those spare C batteries instead.
Shop for Batteries Online
Most of us are used to picking up batteries at local grocery stores and other outlets. They’re cheap and most sizes are easy to find. However, there is a lot of money to be saved, especially if you go through a lot of batteries.
Try shopping for batteries online for a change. Instead of buying a set whenever you need one, plan ahead and buy batteries in larger quantities. You can even find specialty batteries such as CR123 batteries and rechargeable alternatives at much lower prices when you shop online.
Speaking of rechargeable batteries….
Invest in Good Rechargeable Batteries
If you use a lot of batteries and you go through them quickly, pick up sets of rechargeable batteries instead. It may cost a lot of money right now, but you will be saving even more in the long run. Don’t just buy any cheap rechargeable battery set, though. Invest in high quality batteries and chargers to get more out of them.
Always Remove Batteries Before Storing Items
Even with the latest protections and new battery designs, it is still necessary to remove batteries before storing your devices for a long time. You can avoid leaks and damage by removing the batteries entirely. On top of that, you also avoid the gadgets discharging a small amount of power over time.
Store at Room Temperature
There is a misconception about storing batteries; I came across numerous articles discussing the advantages of storing lithium batteries in cold temperature. This is actually not true. Well, it is, but the risks far outweigh the benefits.
Lithium batteries will self-discharge at a rate of 2% per year. Every battery does this and it is perfectly normal. Storing batteries in colder temperature may help slow the rate of discharge, but only by a minute difference.
On the other hand, you risk corroding the internal (and external) contacts of the battery and damaging it altogether due to condensation. It really is not worth doing, so don’t!
