This blog post explains if unplugging appliances can help you save on your electricity bill.
With energy prices rising, many are looking for simple ways to reduce their energy usage and costs.
Table of Contents
Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity?
Unplugging appliances when not in use can lead to electricity savings. Many devices draw power even when switched off, which is called standby power.
Unplugging eliminates this wasted energy. Target older appliances in particular, as newer ones are more energy efficient.
While the savings per device may be small, they add up over time. Experts estimate unplugging unused appliances can save £100-£200 per year on electricity bills.
So, yes, unplugging your appliances does save electricity.
Key Points
- Appliances use standby power when plugged in but switched off
- Unplugging eliminates this wasted energy and saves electricity
- Older, inefficient appliances should be targeted for unplugging
Our Opinion
Based on the information in this article, our experts believe that unplugging appliances is an effective way for homeowners to reduce energy waste and lower their electricity bills.
Even small savings per device add up, making it worth unplugging unused electronics.
We recommend identifying older appliances in particular that consume more standby power.
With simple steps like unplugging chargers, set-top boxes and other “vampire” electronics, households can save £100 or more per year.
It’s an easy way to conserve electricity.
Does Unplugging Appliances Save Power?
Unplugging appliances and devices when they are not in use is an effective way to save electricity and money on your energy bills.
Older, inefficient appliances in particular use power even when switched off, so unplugging them can lead to real savings.
According to the United States Department of Energy, homeowners can save between £100 and £200 each year simply by unplugging appliances and devices that are not in use.
Some appliances like set-top boxes may need to stay plugged in, but most can be unplugged safely.
Electronic devices continue to draw power when plugged in, even if switched off.
By unplugging them, you stop these “energy vampires” from using electricity needlessly.
Unplugging kitchen appliances alone can save around £35 annually.
So, by unplugging unused appliances and electronic devices, you can reduce energy waste, cut electricity bills, and extend the lifespan of your appliances.
It’s a simple and effective way to save energy and money.
Which Appliances Use Electricity When Turned Off?
Many common household appliances and devices continue to draw power when switched off if left plugged in.
This “phantom” or “vampire” power drain adds up over time.
Some of the biggest energy vampires are:
- Computers and monitors
- Games consoles
- Mobile phone chargers
- Printers and scanners
- Coffee makers and kettles
- Microwaves
- Televisions
Newer Energy Star-rated appliances are designed to minimize standby power usage.
But for older, inefficient models, unplugging them when not in use can lead to worthwhile energy savings.
So, check for appliances that feel warm when switched off, or refer to their user manuals to see if they consume standby power. Then get in the habit of unplugging the energy vampires when not needed.
How Much Money Could You Save by Unplugging Appliances?
Unplugging unused appliances and devices can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time. The exact amount you save will depend on several factors.
First, the wattage rating of the appliance determines how much power it draws when plugged in. Multiply the wattage by the number of hours it’s left plugged in to estimate the wasted energy use.
Electricity rates also vary, so check your utility’s pricing. The national average in the UK is around £0.15 per kWh, but rates can be higher or lower in your area.
Finally, take into account how often and for how long you use each appliance. Unplugging a rarely used device won’t save as much as one that’s plugged in 24/7.
As an example, unplugging a 50-watt coffee maker that’s left plugged in 24 hours a day could save around £20 per year, assuming an electricity rate of £0.15 per kWh. The more appliances you identify and unplug when not in use, the more you can save.
So be diligent about unplugging unused devices. It takes little effort and can put some extra cashback in your wallet each month!
Tips For Reducing Phantom Load
Phantom load, also called standby power, refers to the electricity consumed by appliances and devices when switched off or not in active use. This wasted energy adds up, accounting for 5-10% of average household electricity bills in the UK.
Luckily, there are some simple ways to combat phantom load and further reduce your electricity expenses:
- Unplug appliances completely when not in use, don’t just switch them off. Devices with external power adapters or wall chargers are big phantom load culprits.
- Use smart power strips. This sense when a device goes into standby mode and cuts the power supply. Convenient for home entertainment systems and computer peripherals.
- Replace older electronics and appliances with ENERGY STAR-certified options. Newer models are designed for much lower standby power use.
- Check for energy vampires. Devices like older DVRs, cable boxes and game consoles use power even when turned off. Unplug or replace ageing electronics.
- Turn off power strips and surge protectors when not in use. They still consume electricity when plugged in.
Cutting phantom load takes vigilance but pays off. The less energy wasted on standby power, the more money stays in your pocket.
Should You Unplug Appliances When Not in Use?
Determining whether to unplug appliances comes down to weighing convenience against cost savings. Completely unplugging devices eliminates standby power use, but it can be tedious to constantly plug and unplug electronics.
Focus first on high-energy offenders. Unplug battery chargers when not juicing up devices and unplug entertainment systems and computer peripherals when not in use. Smart power strips make it easy to cut power to multiple devices with one switch.
For major appliances like refrigerators, you likely won’t want to unplug them as they are designed to run continuously. But you can still save electricity by replacing ageing, inefficient models with new ENERGY STAR-certified options.
The bottom line is that unplugging appliances and electronics when not in use can lead to real electricity savings over time. But be selective about what you unplug regularly for maximum convenience.
FAQ
How much electricity is saved by unplugging appliances?
Unplugging unused appliances can save between 5-10% on your electricity bill annually. The exact amount will depend on the types of appliances you unplug and how often they are used.
Do unplugging appliances save electricity in the UK?
Yes, unplugging appliances in the UK can lead to electricity savings. Appliances that are switched off but still plugged in use around £100 of electricity per year. Unplugging them when not in use eliminates this standby power consumption.
What appliances use the most electricity when turned off?
Set-top boxes, printers, and chargers use the most electricity when turned off but still plugged in. These “vampire appliances” drain power continuously and are prime targets for unplugging to save electricity.
Does switching appliances off at the plug save electricity?
Yes, switching appliances off at the plug or unplugging them entirely saves more electricity than just turning them off. Many devices still draw power when switched off unless they are unplugged from the mains.
Conclusion
Unplugging unused appliances is an effective way to reduce energy waste and save on electricity costs. Even when turned off, many devices continue to draw power which adds up over time. Targeting vampire appliances and unplugging them when not in use can lead to estimated savings of £100-£200 per year. Overall, unplugging does save electricity, especially for older, inefficient appliances.
