Household batteries power many different day-to-day items, including laptops, digital clocks, cameras, cell phones, flashlights and remote controls. There are many varieties of household batteries. Some of them function better in special electronics devices, while others can be used as default batteries in an emergency for just about anything. Before looking for household batteries, it's important to determine what kind you need based on your budget and daily use requirements. The increasing focus on environmentally friendly products has made rechargeable batteries easier to find, so you may find that these are products you would like to invest in.
There are many different kinds of household batteries available for purchase. By far the most common kind of household battery is the alkaline non-rechargeable type, though alkaline rechargeable batteries are also available. There are also lithium batteries, which are available as lithium ion packs that are rechargeable, and lithium photo batteries, which are non-rechargeable. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are also available, and these are rechargeable.
What to Look for in Household Batteries and Where to Find Them
The kind of batteries you should be looking for all depends on your plans for their use and how much you can afford to spend. Non-rechargeable alkaline batteries are useful in many everyday appliances, such as remote controls and flashlights. They are often not good for devices such as digital cameras because they lose power quickly. Rechargeable alkaline batteries are useful for many of the same appliances and electric items, except that they are a better buy overall than the non-rechargeable batteries because they can be used over and over again.
Lithium ion batteries are used in laptops and cell phones. The lithium photo battery, as its name suggests, is ideal for use in cameras because it can easily handle power surges. It's also often used to power remote-controlled toys. Lithium batteries need to be disposed of properly because their contents can be toxic. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are best used in devices that are activated regularly because of their short shelf life. Common alkaline batteries can be purchased at hardware stores, drugstores and convenience stores. Lithium and nickel-metal hydride batteries are more often found at electronics stores. If they came as component to an electronic device, they can also usually be purchased from the website of the manufacturer.