The advice is partly sound, but the reasons are often overstated. Unplugging some appliances can reduce fire risk (if they’re damaged or generate heat) and eliminate “standby” electricity use, but for many modern devices the energy savings are quite small.
Here are five appliances that are often worth unplugging when you’re finished using them:
- Space heaters
- Unplug after each use.
- They are a leading cause of home heating fires if left plugged in, damaged, or used improperly.
- Toasters and toaster ovens
- Unplug after use, especially if crumbs accumulate.
- This reduces the chance of electrical faults and accidental activation.
- Hair styling tools (hair dryers, curling irons, flat irons)
- Unplug once they’ve cooled.
- Many have automatic shutoff, but unplugging adds an extra layer of safety.
- Coffee makers
- If yours doesn’t automatically switch off, unplug it after brewing.
- This can reduce unnecessary energy use and lower the risk from a malfunction.
- Phone and laptop chargers
- Unplug them when they’re not charging a device if practical.
- They draw a small amount of standby power, though the cost is usually only a few dollars (or less) per year per charger.
Other good habits:
- Replace damaged cords or plugs immediately.
- Don’t overload power strips or extension cords.
- Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics where appropriate.
- Test smoke alarms regularly.
For most households, the biggest safety benefit comes from unplugging heat-producing appliances, while the biggest electricity savings come from reducing high-power usage, not from unplugging low-power electronics. Standby power is real, but it typically accounts for a relatively small share of a home’s electricity bill.
