How much does it cost to keep a laptop plugged in?

Understanding the Cost of Keeping a Laptop Plugged In

In the digital age, laptops have become indispensable tools for work, entertainment, and communication. Maintaining these devices requires regular charging, which often involves leaving them plugged into an electrical outlet. However, this seemingly innocuous practice can have financial implications over time.

How Much Energy Does a Laptop Charger Consume?

The energy consumption of a laptop charger depends on its wattage output, which is typically measured in watts (W). A standard laptop charger may have a wattage of 330W, 45W, or even higher. The higher the wattage, the more energy it consumes.

Electricity Costs and Daily Usage

The cost of keeping a laptop plugged in is influenced by the electricity rates in your area and the duration you leave it plugged in. Let’s assume you have a 330W charger and an electricity rate of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

If you leave your laptop plugged in for 3 hours, the energy consumed would be:

Energy consumed = (Wattage * Hours) / 1000
Energy consumed = (330W * 3h) / 1000
Energy consumed = 0.99 kWh

The cost of this energy consumption would be:

Cost = Energy consumed * Electricity rate
Cost = 0.99 kWh * 0.10 $/kWh
Cost = $0.099

Therefore, constantly powering a laptop with a 330W charger could cost around 10 cents every 3 hours.

Monthly Expenses for 24/7 Plugging

If you leave your laptop plugged in 24/7, the energy consumed over a month would be:

Energy consumed = (Wattage * Hours) / 1000
Energy consumed = (330W * 24h * 30 days) / 1000
Energy consumed = 237.6 kWh

The cost of this monthly energy consumption would be:

Cost = Energy consumed * Electricity rate
Cost = 237.6 kWh * 0.10 $/kWh
Cost = $23.76

Leaving your laptop plugged in 24/7 would, therefore, add up to roughly 80 cents daily, resulting in a monthly expense of approximately $24.

Conclusion

While keeping a laptop plugged in may seem convenient, it can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption and increased electricity bills. Unplugging your laptop when not in use or using a lower-wattage charger can help you save money on your energy costs. Additionally, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for charging and maintaining your laptop battery to extend its lifespan.