Some appliances might seem completely fine to leave plugged in, but in reality, many of these items can slowly drain your wallet, shorten their own lifespans, and even put your home at risk. From hidden electricity drains to potential fire hazards, keeping certain appliances plugged in can lead to unexpected problems.
While you might think that your home is safe and energy-efficient, you will be surprised to find how many common appliances are quietly causing problems. Curious about which ones are the biggest culprits? Let’s take a look at 13 appliances you should always unplug.
1. Toaster – A Hidden Fire Starter
The toaster might seem completely innocent, especially when it is not being used. But the truth is, even when it is switched off, it can pose serious fire risks.
If the wiring suddenly malfunctions, crumbs inside of your toaster can ignite, and the metal elements inside remain live as long as it’s plugged in. Unplugging your toaster when it is not being used can prevent electrical mishaps and keep your kitchen safer from unexpected hazards.
2. Coffee Maker – Silent Energy Drainer
Did you know that even when you’re not using your coffee maker, it still draws standby power, quietly wasting your electricity all day, every day?
Over time, this unnecessary power usage adds up on your energy bill and increases your risk of electrical fault and even fires due to worn-out wiring. Always unplug your coffee maker after you use it for savings and peace of mind.
3. Microwave – Clock That Costs You
Microwaves are notorious for using power even when they’re not in use. They continue to draw power for their clocks and sensors even when idle.
This “phantom load” might seem small, but over time, it can noticeably increase your electricity bill. Unplugging your microwave when it’s not being used can save energy and also prevent unexpected power surges.
4. Laptop Chargers – Battery Busters
Have you ever left your laptop charger plugged in? Well, chargers, even when they are not attached to a device, waste a ton of energy. They can also overheat pretty easily.
Not only does this shorten the lifespan of your charger, but it also increases the risk of electrical fires. If you are not using your charger, always unplug it to avoid unnecessary hazards and extend its life.
5. Space Heaters – Major Fire Hazard
Space heaters are one of the leading causes of house fires, especially when they are left plugged in and unattended.
A damaged switch or sudden power surge can spark a fire even if you’ve turned it off. To keep your home and family safe, always unplug space heaters when they’re not actively in use.
6. Hair Straighteners – Burn Waiting to Happen
Hair straighteners often stay hot even after they have been turned off, and leaving them plugged in is a huge fire risk.
If you have forgotten to unplug your straightener, it can quickly overheat or cause burns if someone accidentally touches it. To avoid accidents or potential fires, always unplug your straightener right after you’ve used it.
7. Phone Chargers – Power Leaks
Just like laptop chargers, phone chargers also continue to draw power when they are left plugged in, even when your phone isn’t attached.
With lots of chargers scattered around the house, this waste of energy can add up quickly on your monthly electricity bill. That is why you should always unplug your chargers when they are not in use.
8. TV – The Phantom Load Giant
Today’s TVs are made to stay in standby mode so they can turn on quickly and receive updates. However, this means they’re constantly using electricity.
This hidden energy use can quietly add to your power bill. If you’re going to be away for a while, unplugging your TV is a simple and effective way to cut down on unnecessary energy costs.
9. Game Consoles – Silent Bill Boosters
Most gaming consoles also stay in standby mode, quietly downloading updates and remaining ready to play.
Since it is constantly using power, it can boost your electricity bill and wear out your console. If you are not gaming, consider unplugging your console to keep your energy costs down and prolong its life.
10. Printers – Overlooked Energy Vampires
Printers might not seem like big energy users, but they still draw power while they are not being used to keep lights, network connections, and internal systems active.
If you don’t print often, this standby energy use can add up over time. Unplugging your printer when it’s not in use helps reduce energy waste and protects it from potential power surges.
11. Electric Kettles – More Than Just Boiling Water
If electric kettles are left plugged in, they can quietly develop electrical faults or overheat, especially if the wiring has aged or is damaged.
By unplugging your electric kettle after you use it, you can conserve energy and reduce the risk of unexpected electrical problems or fires in your kitchen.
12. DVD/Blu-ray Players – Outdated but Still Draining
Even if you hardly use them, DVD and Blu-ray players still use electricity when they’re in standby mode.
If you don’t use them often, that idle power consumption still adds up, especially if you have more than one of these players. Unplugging them can help you avoid wasting energy and money on electronics you don’t actively use.
13. Lamps with Smart Bulbs – Sneaky Standby Use
Smart bulbs and lamps that connect to your Wi-Fi also draw power 24 hours a day to stay connected and responsive.
If you are not using their smart features regularly, this constant drain is just wasted energy. You should always unplug or switch off these lamps to cut hidden costs and improve your household safety.
14. Air Fryers
Air Fryers, just like toaster ovens, draw a substantial amount of power. This means that if they are left plugged in, any malfunctions could pose a fire hazard, especially in air fryers that aren’t cleaned and have oil residue and fatty food crumbs built up.
Their digital displays also stay on, which draws a small amount of power.
15. Electric Blankets
Electric blankets have a reputation for being fire hazards, and while modern counterparts have safety features designed to prevent fires, it only takes one malfunction to circumvent this feature.
To avoid this, try not to leave your heated blanket plugged in and on for extended periods of time without supervision. If accidentally left on, they can also draw power and have an unwanted effect on your electricity bill.
16. Electric Grills
Electric grills are some of the most convenient ways to quickly whip up a grilled cheese when hunger strikes, but since they use a heating element, they can draw a substantial amount of power if left on.
Even if they are off but still plugged in, it can increase the risks of fire hazards.
17. Electric Shavers
Electric shavers have largely replaced traditional ones, but many people do not know that their charging stations are always drawing power, even if the shaver itself is fully charged or taken off the charger.
This wastes electricity and can add up with other appliances to bloat your electric bill at the end of the month. Rather unplug them when not actively charging your shaver.
18. Holiday Lights
When the holiday season rolls in, homes all across the country plug in dozens of light strings, which add to the joyous atmosphere. However, while a few diligent households pack the tree and light up right after December 25th, many others leave them plugged in through January.
While it may keep spirits high, a lot of these lights can impact your overall electricity usage, and during holiday seasons budgets are constrained as it is.
19. Fans
Electric fans are a welcome relief in the summer heat, but older models that pick up dirt and dust can overheat after prolonged use.
If unmaintained, they could burn out and risk a fire. Modern fans pose less of a risk but have LED lights that draw a small amount of energy even when turned off.
20. Candle Warmers
Candle warmers are great tools for melting wax and wafting scents throughout your home. However, if accidentally left plugged in, they can overheat and could cause a fire if forgotten about and unattended.
Even if a fire doesn’t break out, it still draws unnecessary electricity, which can accumulate over time.
21. Washers And Dryers
Large appliances tend to use more electricity. Washers and dryers can sit on standby for hours if connected to the Wi-Fi.
There’s no reason to leave them plugged in unless you do washing daily, and the small amounts of power that get drawn from displays could save you money in the long run.
22. Bug Zappers
Bug zappers can be a lifesaver when it feels like there’s a bug apocalypse in and around your home. Many people plug them in during peak bug season and forget about them.
However, the voltage that they use to get rid of pesky bugs is active around the clock, using electricity. Once the coast is clear, it’s better to unplug them.
23. Computer Desktops
Computer desktops are still used in home offices and entertainment rooms across the country. While some diligently turn them off when not in use, many consumers leave them on the entire day even while not using them.
Depending on the components, they can draw a large amount of power when left on and even draw a minute amount of power when on standby.
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