If you're looking to save money in 2026, you've probably considered turning down the heating, reducing your water consumption, and adopting more thoughtful shopping habits.
But, say our energy experts, there's one very small and simple change you can make that takes seconds, and could save you hundreds.
Here, they explain why experts urge homeowners to unplug chargers daily, and exactly what the risks are.
This Common Charging Habit Could Spark a Fire
You may have heard that unplugging idle or 'phantom' devices is an effective way to cut energy bills, and it is. But, importantly, high energy bills don't pose a danger to your home in the same way that common fire risks in your home do. And one of the most common of all, as our experts explain, is plugged-in, unused chargers.
Ben Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric of Central Iowa, a Neighborly company, advises, 'Chargers can overheat or short out. Keeping them unplugged reduces this risk entirely.'
He explains, 'Having the chargers plugged in all the time can reduce the lifespan of the charger. Unplugging chargers can also help protect against damage to the chargers caused by power surges. Chargers are a small transformer that changes one type of power to another. As long as power is applied, transformers use some electricity to complete the transformation.
'We have seen burned-up chargers that also burned the receptacle outlet they were plugged into, that were supposedly not in use.'
This is a repeated lesson from our experts. Lo Choe, owner of Aura Fire Safety, adds, 'Chargers generate heat even when they’re idle, and this heat prematurely wears internal components out. After enough time, the cord insulation degrades, and the cord itself becomes rigid.
'This presents a fire hazard, especially if the charger is draped over carpet, curtains, or underneath a piece of furniture with poor ventilation. Barely visible to the naked eye, most outlet fires begin with heat accumulation years before any actual flames are seen.'
How to Avoid This Common Fire Risk
The fix is simple – and takes just seconds to do. 'Unplugging chargers gives them a chance to cool down completely, which leads to a longer life for the charger and more safety for the system,' shares Ben.
Scott Harden, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Schneider Electric, agrees. 'Though modern chargers are generally safe, leaving them unattended while plugged in slightly increases potential risks from malfunctions or power surges,' he says. 'Unplugging helps protect both your home and devices from such hazards.'
Additionally, unplugging your chargers will also extend the lifespan of your devices, as disconnecting chargers reduces wear and tear, and may even extend their operational life,' adds Scott.
And, as a huge added bonus, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that unplugging unused electronics and reducing your standby power loads in general can save the average household 100 dollars a year.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This smart Wi-Fi power strip features ETL-certified surge protection to shield sensitive electronics and appliances from sudden power surges. You can also create schedules to turn individual outlets on or off at specific times, to increase efficiency and save money on your power bill.
It's always best to be prepared in the event of a fire. This fire extinguisher is compact, portable, and easy to use, and features an easy-to-read pressure indicator so you can ensure it's always ready for when you may need it.
These top-rated fire blankets are effective on both liquid and grease fires, and, unlike traditional fire extinguishers, won't expire if left unused for an extended period of time.
Using one central charging station like this will ensure you never forget to unplug your chargers, rather than having to walk around the house and switch them off individually. This one features a sleek, space-saving design.
When they're not in use, pop all your chargers in a storage basket like this to keep them in one place, so you'll always be able to find them when you need them. This basket is available in two sizes.
This cable management box is made from natural, unbleached molded paperboard and keeps your cables neat and tidy, with a lid to hide them from view.
Meet the Experts
'Simply by unplugging the charger, you’re eliminating that source of heat,' adds Lo.
You should also pay attention to the six items you should always unplug before leaving the house to banish phantom power usage.
