Grabbing your keys and phone before heading out is second nature, but there’s one more habit worth adding to the routine: unplugging appliances around the house. Even when switched off, many appliances use electricity, known as "phantom" or "vampire" energy. Unplugging these appliances will reduce your bill and potentially life-threatening hazards!
Toaster Ovens
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Toaster ovens are convenient for quick meals, but it is important to switch them off completely after use. If a malfunction occurs or the oven accidentally turns on, trapped crumbs inside the appliance can become a real fire hazard.
Slow Cookers
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The welcoming aroma of a meal ready to eat is incredible. Even so, it’s not worth the safety risk. While modern slow cookers have improved safety features, no appliance is entirely immune to wear and tear.
Heat Styling Tools
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After finishing your hair styling routine, double-check to switch off your curling wands and flat irons. These tools can retain intense heat for a surprisingly long time and carry a serious burn risk if left on or even if still hot on a cluttered surface. Cords can get tangled; a simple knock could send a hot device tumbling onto flammable materials.
Electric Blankets
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Electric blankets come with significant safety concerns. Inside each blanket are delicate wires that can easily become damaged from frequent bending, folding, or improper storage. Over time, this damage can lead to compromised wiring, increasing the chances of overheating, short circuits, or even dangerous fire hazards.
Space Heaters
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Despite their compact size, space heaters are one of the leading causes of home heating fires across the United States. These little devices can quickly generate a lot of heat, and need at least three feet of clear space around them. It is equally important to always switch off space heaters immediately after use.
Chargers
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Phone and laptop chargers continue to draw small amounts of electricity even when they are not actively charging a device. Although each charger's energy use seems minor, leaving multiple chargers plugged in can noticeably add to your overall energy bill.
Power Strips
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Power strips can become dangerous if they are overloaded or if an attached device draws more electricity than the strip can safely handle. Paying attention to wattage limits and giving strips a break when possible keeps your devices safer and your home better protected.
Electric Kettles
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Most electric kettle models now come with convenient auto shut-off features, which help prevent overheating. However, even with these built-in safeguards, it is always wise to manually check and make sure the kettle is switched off and unplugged after every use.
Candle Warmers
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Despite their convenience, candle warmers still generate enough heat to pose a risk if not used carefully. Warmers without an automatic shut-off feature or those left running without wax can overheat, increasing the chances of damage.
Televisions
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Modern flat-screen televisions, especially smart models, continue to pull electricity even in standby mode. This constant energy use keeps apps, Wi-Fi connections, and quick-start features ready, but it also quietly adds to your power bill over time.
Computers
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Even when a computer appears powered down, it often maintains low activity to keep USB ports live and network connections responsive. This subtle energy drain may seem harmless, but entirely shutting down your computer during extended periods of inactivity helps eliminate this hidden consumption and reduces unnecessary wear on hardware.
Coffee Machines
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Many coffee machines, particularly models featuring built-in clocks or programmable timers, continue to pull electricity long after the brewing cycle finishes. Once your morning caffeine craving is satisfied, switching off the coffee maker completely is an easy way to conserve energy. Beyond saving electricity, turning off your coffee machine also improves safety by minimizing the risk of electrical faults, overheating, or short circuits.
Air Purifiers
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Unless persistent air quality problems are a concern, running an air purifier nonstop while you are away is often unnecessary. Most modern air purifiers offer timer functions or low-power eco modes to keep the air fresh without constant full-power operation. In addition to reducing costs, limiting excessive use helps extend the lifespan of the purifier’s filters, which can be expensive to replace.
Lamps
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While lamps might seem harmless, those with worn cords, cracked sockets, or faulty switches can quickly become hidden fire hazards. Even newer lamps are not immune, especially if curious pets chew on cords.