Have you ever thought about the appliances still quietly draining electricity or posing safety risks in your home even when they’re turned off? While “phantom load” or “vampire power” might sound like something out of a sci-fi story, it’s a real phenomenon that impacts your energy bills, the environment, and even your appliances’ lifespans.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. household wastes up to 10% of its energy on appliances left plugged in even when they’re not in use, and can cost up to $100 a year for the average household. You can save money, enhance safety, and reduce your carbon footprint without much effort by unplugging certain appliances.
Here are 15 everyday appliances you should always unplug when not in use, plus tips to simplify this habit and make your home greener and safer.
Mobile Phone Chargers
Leaving phone chargers plugged in without a connected device uses a negligible amount of power, but over time, it can add up. The energy waste may seem trivial, yet in large households with multiple chargers, the cumulative effect grows quickly.
Additionally, keeping chargers plugged in unnecessarily wears them out more quickly, reducing their lifespan. Overheated chargers can also pose a fire risk, especially if left resting on flammable surfaces. Unplugging chargers after use is a quick and simple habit that benefits your safety and wallet.
Microwaves
Most microwaves feature a digital clock or other standby functions, meaning they continuously draw power even when idle. On average, a microwave will also use 2 to 7 watts of power while in standby mode, which adds an estimated $4–$5 annually to your bill.
While this might seem small, every bit of energy savings helps. Unplugging your microwave when not in use eliminates its phantom draw entirely and mitigates overheating risks associated with prolonged plug-ins. It only takes a moment to reconnect when you’re ready to reheat something.
Coffee Makers
Your morning coffee machine might be costing you more than you think. Most coffee makers feature timers, displays, or warming plates that consume power continuously. According to Thea Whyte, coffee machine expert at AO.com, on average, they may draw around 1 to 5 watts in standby mode. By unplugging your coffee maker after brewing, you can prevent phantom energy losses while maximizing safety.
Over time, this simple action can save you both energy and money. Plus, you’ll prolong the lifespan of your appliance by not exposing it to constant electrical currents.
Toasters
Toasters might seem harmlessly idle when unused, but they can pose surprising risks. Crumbs inside the appliance could overheat and spark a fire if the toaster is left plugged in. Fire Cash Buyer reports that between 2007 and 2011, toasters and toaster ovens accounted for nearly 3,000 fires and over $27 million in property damage.
Additionally, toasters are notorious for phantom energy consumption, even when switched off. By unplugging this small but powerful device, you reduce the likelihood of both electrical hazards and minor energy losses. It’s a proactive step for both safety and efficiency.
Computers and Laptops
While in standby mode, computers and laptops can draw significant power, especially when paired with peripherals such as monitors and speakers. At an average of six watts per hour, leaving multiple devices plugged in can noticeably raise energy costs.
Unplugging your computer when not in use reduces your carbon footprint and decreases wear on internal components. For added convenience, consider using a power strip with an on-off switch to disconnect all connected devices at once.
Game Consoles
Modern gaming systems are energy-intensive, even in rest mode. Consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox often perform background updates while idle, drawing power without your involvement. When performing small tasks or left on the home screen, the PS5 will consume approximately 40-50 watts of power.
Unplugging your console when it’s not in use is an effective way to reduce wasteful energy consumption. To make unplugging your gaming systems daily easier, plug them into a power strip so you can disconnect with one simple switch.
Televisions
Televisions have become more efficient over the years, but their standby mode remains an energy drain. Features such as quick-start and residual power needed for remote control sensors contribute to phantom usage.
The power consumption of modern televisions ranges from 0.5W to 3W on standby, as reported by Homebuilding & Renovating. Unplugging your television cuts phantom usage and also reduces the electrical load during storms or surges, protecting it from damage.
DVD Players and Streaming Devices
Even if you’ve replaced DVDs with streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, leaving them plugged in when idle consumes unnecessary energy. These devices often stay connected to Wi-Fi or other systems, which require continuous power.
To keep your energy bills in check, unplug these devices when not in use. Alternatively, plug them into a shared power strip with your TV for convenient all-in-one disconnection.
Printers
Printers are often overlooked, but they can quietly consume standby energy while waiting for a print job. If left plugged in overnight or over the weekend, this wasted power adds up.
Unplugging your printer when not actively printing minimizes this drain and protects against electrical surges. If you use your printer frequently, consider a surge protector with a switch for easier plug management.
Tablets and E-Readers
Much like mobile chargers, chargers for tablets and e-readers draw a small amount of power when plugged in but not in use. Over time, these small drains add up, particularly in households with multiple devices.
Additionally, leaving the charger plugged in risks overheating, especially in older outlets. Unplugging it post-charge is a small shift that yields financial and safety benefits.
Electric Kettles
Most electric kettles offer quick-boil functionality that requires perpetual standby power to heat up instantly when needed.
Keeping them plugged in can not only waste energy but also create long-term wear on heating elements. By unplugging your electric kettle when it’s not in use, you save energy while extending its lifespan.
Hair Dryers and Curling Irons
Small appliances, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, can pose a fire hazard if left plugged in. Faulty wiring or overheating can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
Always unplug these devices after use to ensure safety while eliminating phantom energy draw. Building this habit can prevent costly accidents and energy waste.
Washing Machines and Dryers
While washing machines and dryers don’t typically draw significant power in standby mode, unplugging them when not in use can provide added security. Electrical surges or storms can cause damage to the internal circuits of these major appliances.
By unplugging them, you can save money on potential repairs while limiting energy draw, however small.
Home Audio Systems
Speakers, amplifiers, and home audio systems often remain in standby mode, quietly consuming energy.
Over time, the electricity they use can make up a surprising portion of your energy bill, especially in homes with complex, multi-speaker systems. Switching off and unplugging your system ensures minimal unnecessary energy use.
Electric Toothbrushes
While leaving an electric toothbrush in its charger might seem harmless, chargers draw small amounts of phantom power indefinitely. Instead, unplug the base when the toothbrush is fully charged and only plug it in as needed.
This habit extends the battery life of the toothbrush and reduces energy consumption over time.
Key Takeaways
Unplugging unused appliances is a straightforward way to reduce your monthly electricity costs and prevent potential safety hazards in your home. While phantom power may seem insignificant for a single device, the combined impact over time and across multiple appliances can be much larger.
You’ll save money and also make incremental steps toward living more sustainably by building this habit. If you’re ready to make a change, take a moment to identify the devices in your home that can be easily unplugged. Small efforts today can lead to big results tomorrow.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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