Did you know that people throw away an average of 3 billion batteries each year in the United States?
Although most of the time this is because the batteries no longer work, it can sometimes be due to the fact that people have the wrong batteries on hand. There are a few different types of batteries that are commonly used, and it’s important to understand what each one is capable of.
Let’s explore everything that you need to know.
An Alkaline Battery
This is one of the most common types of battery.
Many people know these as either AA or AAA batteries, and they are used in a large variety of different appliances. An alkaline battery is non-rechargeable and has a longer life than other types of batteries. It doesn’t have as much power as some of the other options, though.
It’s great for smaller devices, such as flashlights or remote controls. It’s also worth noting that these batteries are cheap in comparison to some of the others on this list.
A Lithium Battery
Also known as a lithium-ion battery, this is a rechargeable battery that is often used in devices like laptops and cell phones.
It has a high energy capacity and can be recharged multiple times. However, it can also be more expensive than some of the other types of batteries available.
Anyone who has ever had to replace a laptop battery is familiar with this fact. Depending on the size of the lithium-ion battery, it can sometimes cost hundreds of dollars to purchase.
A Nickel-Cadmium Battery
This type of battery is rechargeable and has a longer life than the alkaline battery. It also has more power, making it ideal for devices that need more energy, such as industrial tools or appliances.
It’s important to note that these batteries can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
A Nickel-Metal-Hydride Battery
Like many others in this list, it is rechargeable and has a relatively long lifespan. It also doesn’t have as much of a negative environmental impact when it is disposed of. It’s a good choice for people who want to be environmentally friendly but don’t want to sacrifice performance.
These batteries are also more or less the same price as other batteries that would have a worse environmental impact.
A Lead-Acid Battery
This type of battery is rechargeable and is often used in vehicles. It has a high power capacity, making it perfect for starting engines.
However, it also requires a lot of maintenance and can be quite bulky. It’s not a good choice for smaller devices because of this characteristic.
If you happen to have a large device or vehicle that needs power, this is often the ideal option.
A Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery
This is a newer type of battery that is rechargeable. It is lighter weight and takes up less space than other lithium-ion batteries.
It is also more durable, making it a good option for devices that are prone to breaking. It should come as a surprise that they are commonly used to charge laptops. As with other lithium-ion batteries, though, they can be expensive to replace.
In order to make the most of your battery’s lifespan, you should unplug it from its charger whenever it is fully charged.
Many people make the mistake of constantly leaving the device plugged into its charging cable. This only serves to diminish the overall lifespan of the battery.
A Rechargeable Battery
As the name suggests, this is a battery that can be reused multiple times. It has a shorter life than an alkaline battery, but it also has more power. The main attribute here is that you won’t need to purchase a new battery each time it runs out of power.
Depending on how often you use your appliance or tool, this could save you a large amount of money. As time goes on, manufacturers are also creating rechargeable batteries that are more efficient.
Interestingly, many people overlook the fact that solar panels use rechargeable batteries.
This allows them to serve as cost-efficient ways to power your home as long as you live in an area with a sunny climate. It’s also possible to use portable solar-powered generators.
If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to purchase the Jackery 1000, you should check out this resource to learn why it might not be the best option for you.
An Automotive Battery
This is a special type of battery that is used in cars. It is rechargeable and has a lot of power, and it even charges as you drive your vehicle.
It’s essential that you remain aware of the condition of your car battery, though.
Otherwise, you run the risk of being unable to start your car in a dangerous or inconvenient location. In general, most automotive batteries last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years.
Write down the date on which you installed it as well as how long it should last. As you near the last few months or so of its expected lifecycle, you should consider replacing it.
Understanding the Available Types of Batteries Is Essential
With this information in mind about the different types of batteries, you can make a more informed decision when it comes time to make a purchase. Keep in mind the devices you will use them for and choose the type of battery that is best suited for those needs.
Be sure to check out the rest of our blog for other useful lifestyle information.
