Some have asked, what's the deal on using ZeroWatt chargers - Do they really use much energy?

Battery chargers - or any electrical appliance that is left plugged in - draw stand-by current when not in use. With a typical charger, this could be around $25-30 per year in just stand-by consumption. If the charger is being used - even in a trickle charge capacity, with batteries left on the charger, this adds up to more monthly expense - which will vary by how many cells are being charged, etc.  So, the first advantage of using ZeroWatt chargers is energy savings. Remember, we want to save you money - don't try to use cheap chargers that cook the batteries and run up your electirc bill needlessly.

The second and probably more significant benefit is prolonged product life. Electronic components that are left on - even in stand-by - will wear out sooner. The main enemy of circuit boards and resistors, transistors, etc is heat. As long as there current reaching the circuits, there is heat which, in time, will shorten the life expectancy of the battery charger.

Of course, both the Powerline 4 and Powerline 5 ZeroWatt battery chargers include a three-year replacement warranty, but we're talking about using something for a lifetime. So, it just makes more sense to disconnect the chargers from the power source. I don't know about you, but in my house, it is difficult to remember to unplug something, every time your done with it. With your ZeroWatt chargers, it's one less thing to worry about and keep up with. 

Now, go turn off that bathroom fan and the closet light that's been on for the last 6 hours.