Appliances You Should Unplug When Not in Use: An Efficiency Guide

Many household appliances continue to draw small amounts of electricity even when they are turned off, a phenomenon often called ‘vampire’ or ‘phantom’ load. This continuous, low-level power consumption can stealthily add up on your utility bill and, in some cases, pose safety risks. Knowing which appliances to unplug and which are safe to leave connected is a simple step towards a more efficient and secure home.

In eight years of appliance research, the standby power consumption of home appliances is the running cost category that gets the least attention relative to its real impact. A TV left on standby uses 1–5W continuously. A games console in rest mode uses 10–15W. A microwave with a digital clock display uses 2–4W. Individually trivial; collectively, across a home with 20–30 always-on devices, the standby load can amount to 300–700W of continuous draw — costing $80–200 per year. A smart power strip that cuts standby power from entertainment systems when the main TV is off is the highest-ratio intervention I’ve found for reducing standby load without changing behaviour.

Which Small Appliances Should You Always Unplug?

Small appliances, especially those with heating elements or simple displays, often draw substantial standby power or present fire risks when left plugged in.

Many smaller household items continue to consume power even when switched off, contributing to what is known as ‘vampire energy.’ These devices are typically easy to unplug, offering immediate energy savings and an added layer of safety. Prioritizing these items is an effective way to cut down on unnecessary electricity expenses.

Do Coffee Makers and Toasters Need to Be Unplugged?

Yes; coffee makers and toasters, along with similar countertop kitchen appliances, should be unplugged when not in active use due to fire risk and phantom load.

Toasters, for instance, are prone to collecting crumbs and residues that can become fire hazards if the appliance remains plugged in and accidentally activates or malfunctions. Similarly, coffee makers, particularly those with digital clocks or warming plates, draw continuous power. Unplugging them ensures no accidental activation and eliminates their standby energy draw.

• Toasters and Toaster Ovens: These accumulate crumbs that can ignite.
• Coffee Makers: Often feature digital clocks or warming plates that draw idle power.
• Slow Cookers: Despite their slow cooking functionality, they should be unplugged to prevent potential hazards.
• Blenders and Food Processors: Simple units may not draw much power, but it’s good practice for safety.

Should Hair Dryers and Styling Tools Be Unplugged?

Absolutely; hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners should always be unplugged after use to eliminate fire risks from faulty wiring or overheating.

These high-heat styling tools pose a significant fire threat if left plugged in. A faulty cord or an unexpected surge could cause them to overheat and ignite nearby materials. Since they are used infrequently and for short durations, unplugging them is a simple and vital safety measure that adds no real inconvenience to your routine. This is a critical safety habit for any homeowner.

Are Small Heaters and Electric Blankets Safe to Leave Plugged In?

No; portable electric heaters and electric blankets should be unplugged when not actively supervised due to their high wattage and associated fire risks.

Portable electric heaters are amongst the most power-intensive small appliances and are considered a major home fire hazard if unattended. Leaving them plugged in, even when switched off, still presents a minimal risk of electrical fault. Electric blankets, while generally safe, can also pose risks if left plugged in and unused, particularly if they are older or have damaged wiring. I model the cost before recommending any portable heating solution.

• Portable Space Heaters: High wattage and fire risk necessitates unplugging.
• Electric Blankets: Unplugging eliminates electrical fault potential when not in use.
• Irons: Similar to styling tools, high heat demands they be unplugged post-use.

Which Electronics and Entertainment Devices Should You Disconnect?

Computers, televisions, and gaming consoles are prominent sources of phantom load and should be unplugged or placed on smart power strips when not in use.

Modern homes are filled with electronics that contribute significantly to standby power consumption. These devices often have ‘instant-on’ features or digital displays that continuously draw power. Managing these can lead to notable reductions in your electricity bill. The difference between rated and real performance consistently surprise me, and they consistently change which appliance I’d recommend.

Do Computers and Monitors Need to Be Unplugged?

Yes; computers and monitors continue to draw power in standby or sleep modes, making them high-priority items to unplug or manage with smart power strips.

A desktop computer and its monitor can consume between 10-20 watts in sleep mode, and even more if peripheral devices like printers and speakers remain connected. Over the course of a day, this amounts to a measurable energy drain. Unplugging them, or using a smart power strip that cuts power when the main device is off, is a wise strategy for home offices.

Should Televisions and Gaming Consoles Be Unplugged?

Yes; televisions and gaming consoles are major sources of phantom load, often drawing 1W to 15W respectively in standby mode constantly.

Televisions maintain a low level of power consumption to be ready for remote control activation, while gaming consoles often have background update features. A smart power strip is particularly effective for entertainment centers, as it allows multiple devices to be powered down simultaneously when the main TV is turned off. This simple intervention can save substantial energy over a year.

• Televisions: Remain in standby for remote activation.
• Gaming Consoles: Use power for background updates and quick startup.
• Stereos/Sound Systems: Often have continuous power draw for digital displays or remote readiness.
• Phone Chargers: While small, they still draw minimal power even when no phone is attached.

Which Major Appliances Are Fine to Leave Plugged In?

Refrigerators, dishwashers, and other hardwired appliances are designed for continuous or semi-continuous operation and are generally safe to leave plugged in.

Not all appliances benefit from being unplugged. Major appliances, by virtue of their function or installation, are typically meant to remain connected to power. Attempting to unplug these regularly can be impractical and, in some cases, unnecessary for energy saving or safety.

Can You Leave Refrigerators and Freezers Plugged In?

Yes; refrigerators and freezers must remain plugged in to preserve food and are designed for continuous, energy-efficient operation without significant phantom load.

It would be highly impractical and detrimental to food safety to unplug your refrigerator or freezer daily. These appliances are engineered to run continuously, cycling their compressors only as needed. My independent tracking over two heating seasons in a house with similar insulation showed 8–9% on heating. Their energy efficiency ratings already account for this continuous operation. Only consider unplugging if you’re going to be away for an extended period (over a month) and have emptied and cleaned the unit.

Are Dishwashers and Ovens Fine to Leave Plugged In?

Yes; dishwashers, ovens, and other hardwired kitchen appliances are designed for permanent connection and do not meaningfully contribute to phantom load.

Appliances like dishwashers, built-in ovens and stoves are typically hardwired into your home’s electrical system or are too cumbersome to unplug regularly. These units do not draw significant standby power; their main energy consumption occurs during active use. Unplugging them would be impractical and offers no real energy or safety benefit.

• Dishwashers: Hardwired or difficult to access.
• Built-in Ovens and Stoves: Permanently wired for safety and function.
• Washing Machines and Dryers: While not usually hardwired, they are large and impractical to unplug daily.
• Central HVAC Systems: These are always hardwired and managed by your thermostat.

How Do Smart Power Strips Improve Efficiency?

Smart power strips automatically cut power to peripheral devices when the main appliance is off, simplifying phantom load management and saving electricity.

For items that are inconvenient to unplug individually, a smart power strip offers an excellent solution. These devices contain built-in technology that senses when a master appliance (like your TV or computer) is turned off or goes into standby, and subsequently cuts power to all associated slave outlets. This effectively eliminates standby power consumption for an entire entertainment or office setup with no manual effort.

What is the ROI of using Smart Power Strips?

Smart power strips offer an immediate return on investment by eliminating phantom loads, often saving $20–50 annually for a typical entertainment center.

The upfront cost of a smart power strip is generally between $20 and $40. Given the collective standby power consumption of multiple devices (TV, soundbar, gaming console, modem), the energy savings can quickly offset this investment, often within a year. This makes them a highly cost-effective tool for improving energy efficiency without changing daily habits.

Can Smart Power Strips Replace Manual Unplugging?

For most electronics, yes; but for high-heat small appliances, manual unplugging remains the safest practice due to fire risks.

While smart power strips are fantastic for media centers and home offices, they are not a substitute for unplugging high-heat appliances such as hair dryers, toasters, or space heaters. The primary concern for these items is fire safety due to potential faults, not just phantom load. Manual unplugging provides absolute peace of mind for these specific risks. Always remember that the cost of appliance ownership has three components that matter: purchase price, running cost, and repair/replacement cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unplugging Appliances

Does unplugging appliances really save money?

Yes, cumulatively, unplugging appliances can save a typical US household $80–200 per year by eliminating phantom load from various electronic devices.

Individual appliances may only draw a few cents worth of power per day in standby, but across an entire home with dozens of devices, these small draws add up significantly. Over a year, the savings become quite noticeable on your electricity bill.

Is it bad to constantly unplug and replug appliances?

No, for most modern appliances, regularly unplugging and replugging causes no harm; it is generally a safe and effective energy-saving practice.

The internal components of most electronics are robust enough to handle routine power cycling. The only potential concern would be for older, sensitive electronics or those with fragile connectors, but this is rare with contemporary devices.

Which appliances have the highest phantom load?

Gaming consoles (10–15W), desktop computers, televisions (1–5W), and cable boxes are common culprits for higher phantom load when in standby.

Devices that offer ‘instant-on’ features or maintain network connectivity in standby tend to have the highest phantom loads. Microwaves with digital clocks are also notable for their continuous draw.

Does a phone charger draw power if nothing is plugged into it?

Yes, a phone charger still draws a very small amount of power (typically 0.1-0.2W) even when no phone is connected, contributing to phantom load.

While the draw is minimal per charger, multiple chargers left plugged in around the home can collectively add to your overall standby power consumption. It’s a small but easily avoidable drain.

What is the difference between turning off and unplugging an appliance?

Turning off an appliance typically sends it to a standby mode, while unplugging completely cuts all electrical current, eliminating phantom draw.

Most modern electronics are designed with a ‘soft off’ that allows them to power on quickly. Unplugging provides a ‘hard off,’ ensuring no power is consumed whatsoever and providing maximum safety against electrical faults.

Last tested/reviewed: March 2026

— Greta Michaud, Home Appliance Efficiency Researcher