Regular Maintenance

One downside is that batteries don't last forever. But they have a comparable lifespan to gas-powered engines. All you have to do is recharge the battery each time -- so there are no more trips to the gas station. Most batteries, if used on a regular basis, last four to six years. When they fail, simply buy a replacement battery from the tool's manufacturer. In fact, many manufacturers make one battery for their entire product line. Once you've settled on your favorite brand, you can buy one battery to use with all of your cordless devices. Stop by a dealer's booth at your local home and garden show to try out an array of models and find which one works best for you.

When you're done with them, don't throw those batteries away. Many home-improvement stores have teamed with the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a nonprofit public service group, to offer drop-off sites for your used rechargeable batteries. Recycling these batteries is a terrific way to conserve resources and adds eco-value to your battery-powered equipment. Not only are they safe and environmentally friendly, but the waste they produce is also recyclable.