You’ve probably left your phone charger plugged in, even when it’s not charging anything. But did you know that keeping chargers plugged in can have a few downsides?
1. Power Drain
Chargers still consume power when not in use. For example, a genuine Apple charger uses about 130W of power a month, or 1.5KWh a year. This might seem small, but with multiple chargers, the energy adds up. Larger or non-genuine chargers can draw up to 20 times more power.
2. Fire Hazard
Chargers can overheat, especially if covered by clothes or books, increasing the risk of fire. This is more dangerous with cheap, non-branded chargers that don’t meet safety standards.
3. Higher Electricity Bills
Even without charging, a plugged-in charger draws power, which adds up over time. Leaving five chargers plugged in could cost you around $0.37 a year—not much for one, but a bigger deal with multiple chargers.
4. Energy Waste
Leaving chargers plugged in also wastes energy. This extra power consumption not only increases electricity bills but contributes to heating and pollution. Reducing unnecessary energy use is key to sustainability.
How to Save
- Unplug chargers when not in use.
- Use smart outlets for easy control.
- Choose quality chargers that meet safety standards.
By making small changes, you can save energy, cut costs, and reduce your environmental impact.
