That charger you leave plugged in 24/7? It’s not as innocent as it seems. While it might save you a few seconds when you need to juice up your phone, experts say it’s quietly draining energy, increasing fire risks, and even costing you money over time.
Here’s the problem: chargers convert electricity from your wall into power your phone can use. But even when nothing’s attached, they still pull a small amount of current—what’s called “standby power.” Multiply that by every unused charger in every home, and suddenly, we’re wasting a staggering amount of energy.
Worse yet, low-quality or damaged chargers can overheat, especially if left plugged in for days. Overheating can lead to melted wires, electrical shorts, or even fires. And while one charger might not make a noticeable dent in your electric bill, a house full of them—phones, tablets, laptops—can add up over months.
The solution? Unplug when not in use. Look for chargers with safety certifications, and replace any with frayed wires or signs of overheating. A smart plug or power strip can make it effortless to cut power to multiple devices at once. A small habit change today could prevent big problems tomorrow.
