Are rechargeable batteries cost effective?

Sure, rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly compared to their disposable counterparts. On paper, it's a no-brainer. However, in the rechargeable-versus-disposable debate, the rechargeable option may not be the most cost effective.

Why do we spend the extra cash for rechargeable batteries? We buy them mainly for the environment and supposedly because they're a good investment. It's a given that each battery we buy now will save us money in the future, right? Not exactly.

According to a post from LenPenzo.com, rechargeable batteries may not be cost effective. "The batteries of low current-draw devices are typically changed so infrequently that the payback period for equivalent rechargeable batteries would be too far long to justify the investment."

If you're powering a low-draw device, use alkaline. It's not worth the extra cost to buy rechargeable, because the batteries in a low-draw device will last a long time. So now you know what type of batteries to buy, but what is a low-draw device? Low-draw devices are remote controls, alarm clocks, wall clocks, smoke detectors and stashed-away flashlights. Traditional alkaline batteries can last in these items for years, for a much lower cost.

When does it make sense to buy rechargeable? High-draw devices that get moderate use should be powered with rechargeable batteries, because they will need to be recharged from time to time, between 30 to 60 days. Most often, battery powered devices in one's home are low-draw, so you may have to search for that high-draw item. LenPenzo.com's example is a Wii gaming system.

Before you head to the store to buy a rechargeable battery, take a quick peek at Rechargeable Battery Review to compare rechargeable batteries currently in stores.