Disconnecting this device could reduce your energy bill and lower the risk of household hazards.
Here’s the electrical device you should always unplug to keep your energy bill from skyrocketing
That seemingly harmless phone charger you leave plugged in overnight — even if it’s not charging anything — might be one of the culprits behind unexpected increases in your electricity costs. This common but frequently ignored practice is part of what’s called phantom power usage, which carries financial and environmental impacts.
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Also called standby power, this refers to the electricity used by devices when they’re not actively being used but remain plugged into the power grid. This kind of energy usage often goes unnoticed because it’s not linked to any visible activity, but its impact adds up over time.
According to Spain’s Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE), up to 11% of the annual electricity consumption in an average household can come from devices in standby mode. On a global scale, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that this type of consumption accounts for more than 400 terawatt-hours per year — enough to power tens of millions of homes.
Mobile chargers are among the most common sources of phantom energy use. As reported by organizations like Energy Saving Trust and Natural Resources Canada, a single charger left plugged in and unused can consume between 0.1 and 0.5 watts per hour. Over a full year, that amounts to 5 to 10 kWh of extra usage — roughly the same as leaving a TV on for 50 to 100 hours.
It’s not just wasteful — it’s also damaging.
Beyond energy consumption, keeping chargers constantly plugged in has other downsides. The continuous flow of electricity causes slight heating, which over time can degrade the charger’s internal components, shortening its lifespan and increasing the need for replacements. In some cases, especially with low-quality or defective models, there’s also a potential fire hazard if the charger overheats or sparks near flammable materials — a bigger risk at night.
That’s why unplugging your charger before bed makes perfect sense. It reduces energy use, extends the device’s lifespan, and enhances household safety. On top of that, the savings can add up: according to IDAE, this simple nightly habit could cut your electric bill by around 5% or more. And from an environmental perspective, every kilowatt-hour saved means less pressure on power plants and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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