Have you ever found that batteries always die at the worst possible moment? Right before you change channel to watch that all important game or when you are just about to take that perfect photo?
Batteries are more popular than ever before, and the march towards more renewable sources of energy means battery technology is only going to become more central to our lives as time goes on. However, you don’t need to wait for better batteries. A little bit of knowledge can help you get more juice out of your current ones.
Know the Difference
Batteries come in two main types, based on what they are made of. Each has its own positives and negatives.
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
NiMH batteries are the better choices if you are looking for rechargeable batteries, something that makes a lot of sense for most day-to-day products. NiMH batteries can be charged whenever you want, so you can feel free to top them up often or just as needed – though remember to turn off the recharging device once they are full or it will continue to drain power. NiMH batteries can also be stored in the fridge, as the cold will help them keep up to nine-tenths of their power. Of course, you need to remember to allow them to warm up before you use them.
Alkaline
More traditional alkaline batteries retain their power longer than NiMHs, but they have to be charged up before they are fully depleted or they won’t last long. Alkaline batteries can also be drained quickly by demanding devices such as digital cameras, so be sure to look for ones designed for the task. It’s worth looking for dedicated products from specialists such as http://www.grovesbatteries.co.uk. You can put them in the fridge as well, but you’re likely to save only about 5% power. However, if you have invested in a new Odyssey PC680 Battery and live in a hot country, this could be worth it to prevent the power drain caused by the warm climate.
One More Tip
It sounds simple, but remember to take batteries out when you aren’t using them. If you have Christmas lights or Halloween decorations, remove batteries before putting them in storage, and keep them in a cool dry place.