Americans buy roughly 3 billion dry-cell batteries every year. Batteries power everything from your remote control to your vehicle. But did you know there are different types of household batteries? Using the right type of battery helps power your devices for longer can even save you money. But deciding between the different types can get confusing. That's why it helps to understand the various types of batteries and their uses. Keep reading to learn about the different battery types used at home and get the most out of your battery. Alkaline Alkaline batteries come in two types: disposable and rechargeable. The benefit of alkaline batteries is that they have a steady voltage and are leak resistant. You can also use them in a wide variety of household devices, making them a must-have in almost every home. Their versatility means they work in both high-drain and low-drain devices. Alkaline batteries are often used in small devices like remote controls, radios, toys, and clocks. Carbon Zinc Carbon Zinc batteries are both affordable and disposable. The downside to this type of battery is that it has a shorter run time. Still, you can save money by using this battery type in items that you may not use every day. Because of it's short run time, Carbon Zinc batteries are best for low-drain devices. These include remote controls for the TV, smoke detectors, and flashlights. Lithium Coin Coin batteries are small, circular batteries that you find in devices like watches or calculators. These are sometimes called button cells or watch batteries. They provide long-lasting power and are often used in devices where reliability is important. This makes them ideal for medical equipment like cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers. You may also see coin batteries in your car fob. This type has a long shelf life and can last for ten years or longer. Lithium-Ion What's the difference between Lithium batteries and Lithium-ion batteries? Most lithium batteries like button cells aren't rechargeable. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) are rechargeable. They also have a long shelf life of ten years or more. This makes them ideal for high-charge devices that get a lot of use. You'll find Lithium-ion batteries in cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops. NiMH NiMH or Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are ideal for devices that use a lot of power. You can recharge them hundreds of times. They're a cost-efficient option for people that want a more eco-friendly battery. The downside is that NiMH batteries have a limited shelf life and they may need special chargers. Researchers have created an environmentally friendly battery but the technology isn't available for personal devices yet. For now, a rechargeable option like NiMH batteries is the next best thing. Keep These Common Household Types of Batteries on Hand Both disposable and rechargeable batteries have their advantages and downsides. It depends on your budget and the type of device you need powered. Many electronic devices today use batteries, meaning it's a good idea to have different types of batteries on hand. Check out our selection of popular battery types and make sure you never run out of juice again.