There are many good reasons to unplug some appliances: it will save you money on your electric bill, make your home safer, and keep everything running smoothly. Leaving a lot of electronics plugged in can drain power or even start fires. Here’s a list of 19 things you should unplug and a reason for each.
1. Coffee Maker
Your morning brew shouldn’t cost you extra after breakfast. A coffee maker can get too hot and waste electricity if you leave it plugged in. Unplugging something when you’re done with it saves energy and lowers the risk of fire. Also, you won’t have to worry about whether you left it on before leaving.
2. Toaster
You shouldn’t mix crumbs with heat, because when toasters get too hot and are left plugged in for too long, especially if they break, they can start kitchen fires. You keep your toaster from getting extra power or a chance to surprise you with a smoky snack by pulling the plug.
3. Microwave
That digital clock on your microwave is a constant energy drainer. Microwaves use standby power to keep their displays lit and sensors ready. You will save money and avoid electrical problems by unplugging things when not in use.
4. Electric Kettle
Even when they’re not being used, electrical kettles use electricity. You turn off the kettle every time you use it to keep it from getting too hot and to save money on your water bill. Doing that one thing will help you save cash and keep things safer.
5. Air Fryer
Many people are actually pleased to use air fryers nowadays, but they, including you, need to remember that the lights and screens you see on that app still use electricity even when the food isn’t cooking, so it’s better to unplug your air fryer to save money and keep you safe.
6. Blender
Power spikes can ruin blender motors, making them useless, and leaving your blenders plugged in will make them use more power and die faster. So, for a better smoothie experience and a lower electricity bill, unplug your appliance.
7. Food Processor
Power spikes can also be caused by food processors. To save money and keep your home safe, unplug them when not in use. This will help your appliances last longer and cost less to fix if you do it regularly.
8. Chargers (Phone, Laptop, Toothbrush)
Chargers are sneaky energy hogs even when not connected to a device. When you leave them in the socket for too long, they can keep using power, eventually getting hot. Save your home’s safety by unplugging them when not in use.
9. Television
Modern TVs never truly “sleep.” They’re always ready for your remote’s command, using standby power. It’s safer and saves you money to disconnect your TV when you’re not using it for a while or overnight.
10. Entertainment System
Electronics like DVD players, sound bars, and game systems still use power even if they’re not being used, so pulling them out when turned off keeps away that phantom energy and protects your electronics from surges. Also, a power strip makes plug removal easy: just click it.
11. Computer
PCs keep on using power even when they are “off” or sleeping, so unplug them after use to protect them from surges and reduce their power levels. This simple habit will extend the life of your tech and cut your electricity bill.
12. Printer
As they wait for the next document, printers use a lot of power. Plugging them off when they’re not in use can save electricity and keep them from breaking during power outages. Your printer will thank you if you save money.
13. Washer and Dryer
Your washers and dryers use their extra power even when you’re not using them. To make your home safer and better, turn off the electricity after doing the laundry, since dirt buildup could cause a fire.
14. Dishwasher
When not in use, always unplug the dishwasher to prevent power surges, keep the kitchen clean, and conserve energy because its internal sensors use power even when the appliance is off. This is going to keep your house safe and happy over time.
15. Steam Iron
Irons can still cause fires if left plugged in for too long, whether they are in use or not. For obvious reasons, you should always switch off the lights before leaving the house.
16. Stove or Cooktop (Electric)
If you leave town without unplugging your electric stove or range, it may accidentally turn on and cause power spikes. In case you use it daily, check the buttons once more. But for long trips, you should unplug it first.
17. Counter Mini Oven
Many mini ovens and toaster ovens have digital screens that use power all the time. Unplugging when you’re done using something saves energy and lowers the risk of a fire caused by broken parts, a simple way to make the kitchen better and safer.
18. Lamps with Smart Bulbs
Smart lamps and candles still use power even when they’re turned off. To save energy, unplugging lights when not in use reduces the “phantom load” and keeps lighting simple and safe.
19. Electric Blanket
This device could start fires if you leave it hooked in when not used. To keep yourself safe and less stressed, you should unplug them when not in use, even while you’re sleeping.