We may not think twice about leaving some things around our home plugged in. But others, that we might leave in the outlets, should actually be unplugged. Everyone knows that there are a few appliances that are fire hazards, but no one really thinks about appliances that could be increasing your energy bill. That’s why we spoke to two electrical experts for the things you should always unplug after every use so you not only keep your home safe, but keep your energy usage as low as possible.
Meet the Experts
- Jimmy Hiller is an HVAC professional and the CEO/President of Happy Hiller.
- Mark Halberg is a licensed electrician at Prairie Electric.
Coffee Makers
If you’re like me and are making several trips to the coffee maker a day, it might seem tedious to constantly unplug it. But, Hiller says leaving it plugged in, especially if your coffee maker has certain features, it could be adding to your monthly electric bill. “A coffee machine alone can add $1–$3 to your monthly bill,” he says. “If it’s a coffee maker without any electronics like a digital clock and lights, you can keep it plugged. But if it’s a coffee machine with a display, timer, warming plate indicator, or touch-control panel, then it keeps drawing standby power all day long.”
Electric Kettles
If you have an electric kettle that has an adjustable temperature setting, then you definitely need to make sure it’s always unplugged after using it. Hiller says this small appliance can be a fire hazard and an energy vampire (an appliance that draws energy while not in use).
Game Consoles
Gaming consoles may seem like an appliance that makes sense to leave plugged in. But, this could be one of the biggest appliances that are increasing your monthly bill. Hiller says, “Game consoles use much standby power even when they look completely off and can add $5 to your monthly bill, and even $6+ if their “instant on” or “rest mode” features are enabled.” While you’re at it, don’t forget to walk around and unplug chargers, too.
Hair Straighteners & Curling Irons
This one is obvious, but you should always turn off and unplug your powered hair tools whenever you’re done using them. These tools are notorious for be potential causes of house fires, more so if they’re left on and touch something flammable, like a towel. You also don’t want faulty wiring to pose a threat, so it’s always best to unplug and put them away the second you’re done using them.
Printers
While Hiller says printers don’t necessarily pose a major fire threat like other items on this list, he does say printers are one of the biggest energy vampires. “Their internal boards and standby circuitry stay powered even when they look “off.” If you keep it plugged 24/7, you add around $1–$2 to your electricity bill,” he says. Unless you use the printer daily at home, this one should be less tedious to unplug.
Toasters
Countertop toasters are great to have when you’re heating up a small batch of food, but it’s that food that puts mini ovens on this list. “Crumbs can build up over time, or even after just a few uses, which creates a fire hazard. It can also be a small power draw which is unnecessary, so might as well unplug it. But the main reason is the fire hazard that it causes remaining plugged in while dry crumbs are in and around it,” says Halberg. So not only do our pros recommend unplugging them, but you should also prioritize cleaning them as well.
Space Heaters
Another obvious thing to unplug around the home are space heaters. If your home is drafty or you’re looking for ways to increase the heat, space heaters are often the first go-to. While convenient for comfort, they have a reputation for being some of the biggest fire starters. Halberg says, “Space heaters are known for being risky if left plugged in. Some models overheat or turn on by accident. It’s a fire hazard, especially if there’s stuff nearby, like towels, blankets, clothing, furniture, etc.”
