What should you unplug when not in use?

What Should You Unplug When Not in Use?

It's easy to overlook the small habits that affect both energy use and safety at home. One simple yet effective practice? Knowing what to unplug when not in use.

Start with small kitchen appliances—things like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. These often draw power even when idle and can be a fire hazard if accidentally activated. Chargers for phones, laptops, and tablets also consume energy when left plugged in, even with no device attached. Over time, this “phantom load” adds up on your electricity bill.

Your entertainment system—TV, game consoles, sound systems—should also be unplugged when not in use. Many of these devices stay in standby mode, quietly sipping power. The same goes for computers and monitors. Unplugging them completely ensures zero energy draw and protects against power surges during storms.

Not everything needs to be yanked from the outlet. Old, nondigital electronics—like basic lamps or analog alarm clocks—are generally safe and use little to no standby power. In fact, constantly plugging and unplugging them can wear out the outlets or cords unnecessarily.

And here’s a pro tip: use power strips. They let you shut off multiple devices at once with a single switch. That way, you get the safety and savings of unplugging without the hassle. Just avoid plugging high-wattage appliances like space heaters into them, as that can overload the circuit.

Unplugging isn’t about being obsessive—it’s about being smart. A few mindful habits can save energy, reduce fire risks, and even extend the life of your gadgets. So next time you’re heading out or calling it a night, take a quick glance around. That little plug might be worth pulling.