Unplug your laptop: How to extend battery life and save costs
Laptops have become a crucial tool for office work due to their portability. We can take them anywhere worldwide, provided the battery is not drained. Unfortunately, some people tend to keep their laptops constantly plugged into the electrical network, which can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Over time, laptops have dominated the computer market. Due to their lightness, ease of use, and ability to work practically anywhere, most people have chosen such devices. However, many people make the common mistake of keeping their laptops connected to power all the time, which can negatively affect the battery's lifespan. What are the rules regarding charging a laptop? Does it lead to high costs?
Why is it worth unplugging the laptop from power?
The frequency of laptop charging depends on many factors, including the device's specifications and how it is used. Gaming laptops usually require more frequent charging than computers used for basic office tasks. Nevertheless, one basic rule is worth following: connect the laptop to power when the battery level falls below 10%.
If you rarely disconnect the laptop from the charger, it's worth re-evaluating your habits. Although continuous charging with the device turned off does not generate high energy costs—about a few cents a year—it can significantly affect the battery condition, which deteriorates faster with continuous charging.
Extended charging and battery condition
Charging a laptop for extended periods can lead to a decline in battery performance. Right after reaching full charge, the battery energy level naturally drops to about 95%. The problem arises when the battery does not have the chance for partial discharge and remains connected to power for too long.
As a result, it starts to lose its capacity faster than expected, which in turn leads to the need for more frequent charging after a short period of use without access to power. To ensure the laptop lasts longer, it should only be charged when it's genuinely necessary.
