Phantom power use. It sounds like something out of an episode of Scooby-Doo, and it is, in fact, something you should be wary of. Electronic devices use power when they’re plugged in, even if they’re not turned on. Unplugging large appliances such as your refrigerator, range, and dishwasher would be unwise, and difficult to do as well, and anything with a clock that needs to be reset after a power outage should be left alone. Here are some tips on what to unplug to save money and energy, while making sure your essential electronics are ready for you when you need them.
Small Appliances
Small kitchen appliances (think: electric can openers, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) are easy to unplug when not in use, and it’s a good habit to get into. While the risk of electrical fire is low when your appliances and electronics are in good working condition, why take that chance? Unplugging them is the only real way to eliminate the chances of that happening.
Entertainment Systems
One of the biggest offenders when it comes to phantom power use is your entertainment setup: stereo equipment, TV, cable box, game console. It may not be practical to unplug them all at the end of each day, but if you look around the house, you probably have seldom-used electronic devices (that TV in the guest bedroom, your college-age son’s Playstation) that are drawing power even in standby mode.
Chargers
We’re probably all guilty of leaving our chargers plugged in. From phones and laptops to electric toothbrushes and bluetooth headphones, those chargers are adding to your electric bill even when they’re not actually charging. For less than $10, you can purchase an adapter with auto shut-off, which automatically cuts the power when your device is fully charged. This will not only save money, but it will also prolong the life of your device by stopping mini-charging cycles and preventing it from overheating.
Home Office Equipment
Your computer’s standby or sleep mode doesn’t make much of a difference when it comes to energy consumption. By getting into the habit of unplugging your computer every night, you’ll not only save energy, but you’ll also protect your computer from serious damage, as power surges caused by lightning can fry your computer. Better yet, put your home office equipment (computer, printer, scanner, etc.) on a smart power strip and shut it all down with a single button when the workday is over.
Did You Know? The United States as a whole spends $19 billion a year on electricity it's not really using.
Key Takeaways:
- “Vampire” electronics are responsible for as much as 20percent of home energy consumption.
- Unplugging devices when they’re done charging will not only save energy, but will also extend their lifespan.
- Devices like modems, routers, and cable boxes should be left plugged in, as they often take a while to reboot when you turn them back on.
FAQs
How Much Do I Save by Unplugging Appliances? The United States Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save anywhere between $100 and $200 each year by unplugging devices not in use. Typically, an item drawing a single watt of energy costs about one dollar to power annually.
Should appliances be unplugged when not in use? ›
Unplug Your Appliances for Safety
Leaving appliances plugged in increases the risk of fires. Consumer Reports studies show that about half of appliance-related fires are due to issues with the appliances themselves. Often, this happens when an appliance has been recalled, but the owner isn't aware of the recall.
Does leaving your TV plugged in use electricity? ›
Did you know that when your appliances or electronic devices are plugged in, they're draining energy – even if they're not in use? Phantom power, also called standby power, refers to the energy that's wasted around your home when devices are plugged in and using power, but you're not actively using them.
Does unplugging the refrigerator save electricity? ›
Yes. Unplugging your appliances can reduce the amount of electricity you use each month and lower your carbon footprint. However, you might not notice much of a cost savings. It depends on how many appliances you unplug and your overall bills.
Should a toaster be unplugged when not in use? ›
The golden rule with appliances is to unplug when not in use. This is especially relevant to heat producing appliances such as toasters. Unplugging your toaster after use avoids any risk of fire caused by a faulty appliance or faulty electrics.
What appliances use the most electricity when turned off? ›
What appliances use the most energy on standby mode and when powered off?
- Television.
- Printer.
- Central heating furnace.
- Microwaves.
- Computer. There are a few ways to solve for vampires. First, you can unplug an appliance when you're not using them.
Not only does leaving your phone charger plugged in increase your electricity bills, but it also wastes energy. When you leave your charger plugged in, even if your phone is not connected to it, the charger is still using power from the outlet.
Should I unplug my smart TV when not in use? ›
Leaving your TV on standby is not likely to result in a fire hazard. However, in the interest of safety, it is strongly recommended to turn your TV off at the wall. Unplugging your TV between uses can help to save a lot of electricity. Even when in standby, a TV continues to consume electricity!
Should I unplug my microwave when not in use? ›
Although unplugging your microwave may not have a significant impact on your energy bills, it's still a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more energy-efficient. By making small changes to your daily routines, you can reduce your energy usage and save money on your electricity bills.
Is unplugging better than turning off? ›
If you look around your home, you are likely to see a multitude of small appliances and electronics that are left plugged in around the clock. Surprisingly, even those that are turned off after use may continue to draw power, and the only way to truly power down many appliances is by pulling the plug.
Rather than focus on the negatives associated with constantly using our phones and computers, let's explore the numerous benefits of unplugging.
- Reduce Anxiety and Stress: ...
- Improve Sleep Quality: ...
- Increase Sense of Self-Worth: ...
- Increase Productivity and Focus: ...
- Improve Physical Health:
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the cost of plugged-in but unused equipment costs around $165 per home annually or $19 billion in the United States. This equates to around 44 million tons of CO2 or 4.6 percent of total household electricity generation in the country.
Does leaving chargers plugged in use electricity? ›
Not only does leaving your phone charger plugged in increase your electricity bills, but it also wastes energy. When you leave your charger plugged in, even if your phone is not connected to it, the charger is still using power from the outlet.
