How many times have you left your iPhone charger on without unplugging it? I admit it: every night. And, what’s more, if you have a MagSafe charging base, it’s more difficult to disconnect it. It’s no longer just about getting the cable back; the thing is you must remember every day (and at night) to reconnect it. Not forgetting the possibility of purchasing a smart plug that automatically disconnects you or a power strip.
Is it really worth it? This is what science and studies are for, which specify whether this small charger connected but not charging the iPhone has a real impact on the electricity bill.
The myth of the vampire steed: reality or exaggeration?
When we talk about vampire consumption, we are referring to the small amount of energy that electronic devices consume even when they are turned off or in standby mode. And yes, chargers fall into this category. But how much do they actually consume?
After analyzing several charger models, including that of the latest iPhone 16, it was discovered that consumption is surprisingly low. We are talking about 0.05 watt hours when plugged in with no load. To put things into perspective, if you left your charger plugged in 24 hours a day for an entire month, the additional cost on your electricity bill would only be a few cents per year.
The exact cost of leaving the iPhone charger plugged in all day
According to the environmental report Offered by Apple, the 20W charger consumes around 0.05W just by being plugged in. This equates to 1.2 Wh per day or 432 Wh per year. The average price per kilowatt hour in September was 0.1341 dollars. NOW All that remains is to multiply.
Having a 20W Apple charger plugged in without charging the iPhone generates a cost of about six cents per year.
The science behind phantom consumption
Why does a wireless charger use energy? The answer lies in its design. The chargers are constantly ready to convert alternating current from your outlet to the direct current your device requires. It is this “permanent availability” which generates this minimum consumption. It’s like having a car idling: continues to consume fuel, but at a much slower rate than in operation. In the case of chargers, this “idle” is almost imperceptible in terms of energy consumption. But adding many chargers and devices adds to the electricity bill.
Is it worth worrying?
This is where the dilemma comes in. On the one hand, the individual impact is minimal. But when we multiply this small consumption by all the devices we have at home, the expense multiplies. However, it is important to maintain perspective and use common sense because There are other actions in our daily lives that have a much greater impact. in energy consumption. Turning the heat down a degree or using efficient appliances can save a lot more energy than obsessively unplugging every charger.
Actually, The iPhone charger is one of the devices that consumes the least. It costs more to have a HomePod mini or Alexa always “waiting” for a request, to keep the Mac asleep without turning it off, or to configure the PlayStation to be able to play remotely.
Practical solutions for the most savers
If you still want to completely eliminate this consumption of ghosts and put an end to all these vampires, here are some options:
- Power strips with switch: ideal for turning off several devices at the same time.
- smart sockets: allows you to program the on and off times. Keep in mind, however, that these will also consume electricity.
- The old unplugging trick: the simplest and most effective, even if it requires creating the habit and thinking about reconnecting it.
Meross WiFi Smart Plug, 16A WiFi Outlet with Remote Control Timer, Compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home, 3840W
*Some prices may have changed since the last review
Should you unplug your charger each time you use it? The reality is that precisely your iPhone charger It will only cost a few cents a year. If we want to save energy, there are many other habits we can get into, although of course it all adds up.
Cover image | free pik
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