“Batteries not included” – the nightmare with new toys and gadgets. Batteries are used for just about everything, from our children’s noisy toys, to our cell phones and laptops. Finding the right battery for the job is only the first step. Once you have the battery, you will want to extend the battery life as long as possible.

What can you do to help save some run time on your batteries?

The most important step is to buy fresh batteries. Like other items with a shelf-life, batteries will keep longer if they are newer. The easiest way to find new batteries is to shop a store that sells a lot of batteries – this means the turnover will be high, and new items will be on the shelf constantly.

Keep the “FIFO” method of stocking shelves in mind also; first in, first out. Look for packages on the back of the display and see if it is newer by checking the dates. Stores try to sell the oldest merchandise first, so ideally the new merchandise should be the least convenient – depending on the associates of course.

Once you have the batteries at home, put them in a sealed plastic bag, and store them in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of your batteries, just make sure to let them sit out to room temperature before using.

Purchasing zinc-carbon batteries for items that have a low draw (think clocks/calculators) to make them last, and alkaline batteries for high draw items (radios/cameras) will give you more bang for the buck. The appropriate battery for the task will ensure it will last as long as possible.

Never mix old batteries with new batteries. The new ones may actually cause the older batteries to leak battery acid in the competition to keep up. This can potentially cause burns, as well as destroying the equipment it is in.

When using rechargeable batteries, make sure to charge them the entire length of time recommended before using the item. It may be tempting to turn your cell phone on before the time is up, but holding off for those few hours can extend the life of the battery – and it is an expensive item to replace later on.

For items that are turned on almost constantly, such as your laptop, there are simple things you can do to reduce the pull on your computer’s battery. Keep your computer defragged so it runs quicker (and easier on your battery), keep your screen dim, and turn off programs when you are finished running them.

Keep your work on a laptop to a streamlined minimum to finish tasks at hand. By leaving email open, with a spread sheet, while listening to music, you are draining the battery quickly.

It is recommended that if you have a rechargeable battery (such as a cell phone or laptop) that you let it run itself down at least once a month. This allows the battery to go through a complete charge cycle. Once you have allowed it to charge fully, then you can keep it maintained.

With so many expenses related to owning electronics, maintaining your batteries is a sure-fire way to save money. This is one of the best ways to keep your electronics running smoothly and preventing headaches for you!

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