At a time of rising electricity prices, we are looking for even the smallest ways to save. We turn off the lights as we leave the room, change the bulbs for LEDs, do not turn on the washing machine until it is full. One of the frequently overlooked ways of waste of current is to leave the chargers in the sockets, even if they are not used. Although it may seem negligible, in fact it is so -called. Passive energy consumption, which can cause noticeable costs on an annual scale.

The chargers in the sockets steal the current

Many people believe that the chargers involved or disabled devices do not consume electricity and therefore do not affect our accounts. In fact, however The charger connected in the socket, even if the device is not connected, still consumes energy. The chargers are designed to be constantly ready for charging, which means that even in the state of emergency, they take electricity.

Research shows that a regular smartphone charger consumes in inactivity from 0.1 to 0.5 W per hour. Although it seems as little, it may be a significant loss of energy during the year and several household devices.

How does it work? The task of the charger is to turn alternating current into one -way, which need our smartphones, tablets or laptops. If the charger is connected in the socket, it is done to a lesser extent, but is still ongoing. It consumes electricity, even if you do not see it significantly on the monthly invoice.

Older types of chargers consume more energy in standby than the newer ones. If you own energy -saving chargers, consumption is almost negligible. Solar or induction chargers that do not require classic network wiring are also available on the market. Nevertheless, it is recommended to turn them off – for ecological reasons. On a global scale, all these devices cause huge and unnecessary losses of heavily obtained electricity.

Charger in the socket – the cost of energy

The cost of keeping the charger in the socket depends on its performance and connection time. Assuming that the charger consumes an average of 0.2 W. In standby mode, the annual energy costs are less than € 0.2.

The annual cost of keeping the device in the socket can be calculated by multiplying the power charger in the watts time in the hours. By dividing the result of 1000 we get the value in kWh (In × Hodina ÷ 1000 = kWh). Now it is enough to multiply 0.17 euros, because it is the average price of one kilowatt -hour energy in Slovakia.

How much does it cost to leave the charger in the socket according to the type of device?

  • Smartphone: The charger left in the socket throughout the year can consume approximately 0.44 kWh of electricitywhat at the average price 0,17 € kwh means Annual costs around € 0.08. It is the least of all similar devices.
  • Tablet: Devices with greater power consumption, such as tablets, can cause higher costs. Annual power consumption when leaving the charger in the socket can reach about 4 kWh. ie about € 0.68 per year.
  • Notebook: Laptop chargers have higher power and can therefore consume more energy. Leaving them in the drawer throughout the year can cost from € 1.00 to € 2 per year. Depending on the type of charger and its efficiency.

These amounts may not seem high but it is the cost of one device. In a home where there is a lot of electronics, the total cost of passive energy consumption can be significantly higher.

How to minimize energy loss?

To reduce the losses caused by leaving the chargers in the sockets, it is recommended to disconnect them after recharging. Useful are the drawer with switch, which one presses all unused devices. It is also worth investing in more modern low -energy chargers. You don’t have to replace them all right away, but if you get lost or damaged, replace it with a more economical model.

Do not make this mistake when charging your phone. Later you will run with Powerbank