Do Chargers Plugged In Use Electricity? Learn Cost & Savings Tips

Many people leave chargers plugged in even when their phone is not charging, but do chargers plugged in use electricity? Is that habit silently adding to your bill? In this article, we’ll explore what standby power is, how it affects your electricity usage, and provide practical tips to lower energy waste at home. Keep reading to find out what’s really going on behind the socket.

Do Chargers Consume Electricity When Not Charging?

Yes, even when a mobile phone or other device is not connected, a charger plugged into a wall socket can still draw a small amount of electricity. This is called “standby power” or “phantom power.”

Standby power is the energy used by electronics when they are turned off or not actively in use. Some internal circuits remain powered, so the device is ready to operate. Chargers work the same way: their transformers and circuit components stay active as long as they remain plugged in, allowing immediate charging once a device is connected.

A single charger’s standby consumption is typically 0.1–0.5 watts. That may seem negligible, but in homes with multiple chargers and devices always plugged in, the combined usage can add up over time, leading to avoidable energy waste and higher electricity bills.

How Much Does Phantom Power Cost in Canada?

Standby power use may seem minor, but across a household it adds up. According to Natural Resources Canada, standby power accounts for 5–10% of a typical home’s electricity use, or about 150–200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. At an average electricity price of $0.17/kWh, that equals roughly $25–$35 in wasted electricity per year.

Devices responsible for standby power include chargers, TVs, routers, microwaves, and coffee makers. Can you leave phone chargers plugged in without worry? A single idle charger may cost less than $1 per year, but when combined with other devices, the expense becomes noticeable.

The waste is not only financial — unused electricity still requires production, which increases carbon emissions and environmental impact. Cutting phantom power use can lower energy bills and reduce environmental strain, making it worth addressing for both cost savings and sustainability.

How to Reduce Standby Electricity Waste

Standby power adds up over time, but reducing it is simple. Small habit changes and awareness can significantly cut your home’s hidden energy use. Here are practical tips.

1. Choose an Energy-Efficient Charger

Selecting a charger with low standby power consumption is the first step toward reducing waste. A good example is the Anker Laptop Charger (140W, 4-Port, PD 3.1) with USB-C Cable. It supports up to 140W fast charging and can power multiple devices simultaneously, like laptops, phones, and tablets. Its low standby power design prevents energy waste when not in use, while still delivering fast, efficient charging.

2. Unplug Unused Chargers and Devices

Unplugging chargers and electronics when they are not in use is the most effective way to stop standby power consumption entirely. It is especially important for older chargers and sockets, which often continue to draw power without a connected device. Over time, these small amounts of wasted energy add up, increasing costs and environmental impact.

3. Use Smart Outlets to Manage Multiple Devices

Smart outlets make it easy to control power for several devices at once. When paired with multi-port chargers, such as the Anker Prime 67W GaN Wall Charger (3 Ports), you can charge a phone, tablet, or laptop together and then cut off power to all devices with a single tap. This prevents them from drawing electricity when idle and improves overall efficiency.

4. Inspect and Maintain Devices Regularly

Older or damaged chargers often consume more standby power and may be unsafe. Check chargers for wear, poor connections, or overheating, and replace them when necessary. Faulty chargers can increase energy waste and create safety hazards.

5. Schedule Charging Times Wisely

Avoid leaving chargers plugged in for long periods without charging a device. For example, unplug during work hours or when away from home. High-power devices like laptops should be plugged in only when charging is needed, to minimize standby mode and improve energy efficiency.

Finally Thoughts

So, do chargers plugged in use electricity? Yes — and while the cost per charger is small, the total from multiple devices can be substantial. Unplugging unused chargers, using smart outlets, and choosing energy-efficient models all help cut waste and lower your electricity bill. For reliable, low-standby options that maintain high charging performance, Anker chargers are a smart choice for both efficiency and convenience.

FAQs

Do plugs use electricity when plugged in?

Yes, plugs connected to devices can use electricity even when not in active use. This is called standby or phantom power. Many electronics, like chargers, TVs, and routers, draw small amounts of energy while idle. Over time, this adds up, slightly increasing electricity bills and contributing to unnecessary energy waste.

Does unplugging my charger save electricity?

Of course. While a single charger consumes very little power in standby mode (typically less than 0.5 watts), leaving it plugged in for extended periods, combined with multiple devices in your home, the total can add up to tens or even hundreds of dollars in wasted electricity each year. Unplugging chargers after use is the most direct and effective way to cut standby power consumption.

Do chargers cost a lot of electricity?

On their own, chargers use very little electricity. In standby mode, a single charger may cost less than $1 per year. The issue arises when multiple chargers and other electronics remain plugged in and idle around the clock. Together, this “invisible” energy use can become significant over time. Reducing standby power from these small devices is a simple and effective way to save energy and lower costs.

Is it dangerous to leave phone chargers plugged in?

Leaving phone chargers plugged in is generally not dangerous, but it can waste electricity and pose minor risks. Most modern chargers consume a small amount of power when idle, but older or damaged ones can overheat or cause short circuits. To stay safe and save energy, unplug chargers when not in use or use smart power strips.