Many people remove their phones after charging but leave the charger plugged into the socket. Some don’t even bother turning off the socket switch, believing it makes little difference. However, energy experts warn against this practice. They state that this bad habit leads to a small but consistent waste of electricity, and can potentially damage the product.
What is Vampire Energy?
Even if the charger isn’t connected to a phone, it still consumes electricity. This is because the transformer and circuit within the charger are always ready to charge. This silent electricity waste is also known as ‘Vampire Power’.
‘Zapped’ Every Month
According to reports, vampire energy is also called phantom load. This term is used when devices that are turned off or switched off are still consuming electricity. A charger can consume 0.1 to 0.5 watts of electricity, while multiple plug-in gadgets like TVs, chargers, and computers can collectively increase the electricity bill.
This electricity waste can slightly increase your home’s electricity bill every month. Consider how much electricity is wasted in a year and how much extra money you might have to pay. The only advantage of leaving the charger plugged in is that you don’t need to plug it in again, but the disadvantages far outweigh this minor convenience.
Unplugging the charger not only saves electricity but also offers other benefits:
* Lower bill: Small savings can be made on each device.
* Safety: Chargers can overheat and catch fire when plugged in.
* Longer Life: Due to continuous exposure to electricity, especially due to voltage fluctuations.
