Does it feel like you're spending more on batteries each month than on food?

If you're powering through more batteries than seems necessary, it may be a matter of changing your tactics.

Getting batteries for less begins with finding sources that aren't in the business of ripping you off.  

But once you've found those sources, we've got some tips on how to make the most of those batteries so you can save even more money.

1. Know When To Be Cheap

Buying in bulk is a great place to start saving money on batteries. And it's even better if you have an assortment of both high quality and lower quality bulk batteries.

The truth is, you don't need to install top-of-the-line batteries in a lot of your battery-powered devices and appliances. For example, your TV remote and book light don't need them.

Toys are another place where you can use cheap batteries. Since kids tend to play with a toy for a short amount of time, it doesn't make sense to buy expensive batteries to power them.

They'll just sit in the toy and slowly drain — going to waste.

But when it comes to outfitting your smoke detector, on the other hand, you don't want to skimp. You want a reliable battery that'll cost more.

2. Store At Room Temperature

If you think that throwing those batteries in the refrigerator is going to keep them running longer and conserve their energy, think again.

In fact, it could be having the opposite effect. Refrigerating batteries can cause condensation that can damage the seal and label, and corrode the battery ends.

Generally speaking, exposing batteries to temperature extremes can actually drain the battery of energy. It can also cause leaking — rendering the battery useless.  

3. Get a Battery Tester

Did you know that just because a battery stops powering one item doesn’t mean it won’t work on another?

For typically less than $10 at most retail stores, you can purchase a battery tester to test different sized batteries. This will help you determine how much power remains in a battery that you may otherwise trash.

Once you have a tester, you'll also start understanding the power levels required of each of your electronic devices. And this will save you money over the course of the year. 

Don't use mostly drained batteries alongside fresh batteries though. Doing so will increase the strain put on those that are more fully charged and accelerate the drain rate.

That equals a loss in money. 

4. Keep Compartments Clean

Cleaning spring-based battery compartments is not as labor-intensive as it may sound.

Just grab an eraser and rub it firmly along the spring's edges to remove debris. Then gently blow into the compartment to release that debris.

Why do this?

Because when corrosion builds up on the terminals, it can weaken the connection and cause the batteries to drain more rapidly. 

So if you have a device that's draining the batteries regularly, this could help.

5. Use Rechargeable Batteries 

Rechargeable batteries come in many sizes. And using them regularly will save you from having to buy those bulk packages to frequently.

Be sure to purchase a quality battery charge though. It might be more money upfront, but in the long run, it's a sound investment.

Cheap battery chargers work too quickly, don't shut off, and heat up the batteries. A quality charger instead increases your battery's lifespan because they shut off when they're done charging.

Get Batteries for Less!

If you're looking for great batteries for less, we have whatever you need and at great prices.

So check out our huge selection. And contact us if you have any questions!