Sean Cate

Sean Cate

February 27, 2025

Why You Should Never Leave Your Phone Charger Plugged in Without Your Phone

Wastes Energy: A Silent Contributor

Beyond the financial implications, leaving a phone charger plugged in wastes energy. The seemingly inconspicuous power draw contributes to heating up homes and increasing pollution. With the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption becomes crucial.

While smartphone and tablet chargers have almost no phantom load, power tool battery chargers can be notable energy hogs, especially older ones. Identifying and unplugging inefficient chargers is a practical step towards reducing energy waste.

Leaving your phone charger plugged in without a connected device has its pitfalls. Beyond the financial aspects, there are valid concerns regarding energy wastage, potential fire hazards, and their environmental impact. To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to unplug chargers when not in use, invest in smart outlets for remote control, and prioritize safety by choosing high-quality, branded equipment. As we navigate the digital age, small changes in our charging habits can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and safe living environment.

Sources

  1. Should you leave your smartphone charger plugged in all the time?ZD Net.  Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. December 2018.
  2. WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGER PLUGGED IN.” Meyers Companies Inc. August 10, 2022.
  3. Is It Bad That My Phone Charger Is Always Plugged In?Apartment Therapy. Caroline Biggs. May 3, 2019.
  4. How to Geek.