DIY

Saving Money with Rechargeable Batteries

A worthwhile investment for commonly used battery types

This story is a small addition to my story on AA-Batteries. In many situations, rechargeable batteries can be used instead of the non-rechargeable variety. The most common battery types (AA and AAA) are readily available in a rechargeable variant.

Some numbers

If you buy your batteries in bulk, you can get them for around 0.30$/€ per battery. A good rechargeable battery costs 4$/€ per piece. You will need a charger for around 25$/€.

If we calculate batteries for devices that need a total of 10 batteries, we get the following numbers. 10 rechargeable batteries and one charger are: 65$/€. This gives a total of 6.5$/€ per battery. Therefore, you have to recharge one battery 17 times and then it will be cheaper than non-rechargeable battery.

You will probably have the need for many more batteries in your household; the cost of the charger will be distributed over more batteries, and they will get cheaper.

Disadvantages

As everything in life, all things have some disadvantages. Some devices do not work with rechargeable batteries. They require a higher voltage to operate than the one provided by the typical rechargeable battery. In this siutation you will need a special type of rechargeable battery with a special charger. Or just use the old non-rechargeable option for these devices.

What to buy

If you want to start using rechargeable batteries, better go for the so-called low self-discharge batteries (such as eneloop). This type holds a charge for a much longer time, and you don’t have to constantly recharge them.

Usually, you can buy a charger together with some batteries. This will be cheaper. Do not buy the cheapest chargers as these can be dangerous and will charge your batteries inefficiently. Best go for a name brand (such as Panasonic).

Conclusion

Switching to rechargeable batteries can save you quite some money on the long run. As you do not have to throw away many single use batteries, you do something for the environment as well.

If you want to learn more about batteries, read the story I mentioned above.