Does Unplugging Electronics Save Energy?
Finding ways to conserve energy around the home is a good way to save money and be more environmentally friendly. While there are many ways to save energy, unplugging electronics is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Many appliances are considered “energy vampires,” which means they continue to draw energy even when turned off or idle. Unplugging these electronics when not in use (such as overnight or while on vacation) is a good way to conserve energy and lower your monthly electricity bill. But which electronics should you unplug, and which ones are better left plugged in?
If you’re ready to get rid of the energy vampires in your home, keep reading! In this article we’ll discuss the various benefits of unplugging electronics, as well as which electronics you should unplug, and which ones you shouldn’t.
Photo by Clint Patterson
Why should you unplug electronics?
All electronics need energy in order to function. That energy is provided in one of two ways: from a battery with stored energy, or from an electrical outlet that provides a steady current of electricity.
Many of the electronics found around the home are plugged into outlets, including the TV, microwave, refrigerator, lamps, and more. While it may seem common sense to leave these electronics plugged in all of the time, the truth is that many electronics consume energy even when not in use.
In the words of the US Department of Energy (DOE):
“These so-called “energy vampires” are appliances that continue to draw power from electrical outlets, even when turned off or idle. While these vampires won’t suck your blood, some of these appliances can cause substantial increases to your energy usage, costing you and your family hundreds of dollars per year.”
Unplugging electronics therefore reduces consumption of electrical energy. But it also comes with a host of other benefits, including increasing the lifespan of electronics and reducing fire hazards in your home.
To save energy and money
Unplugging electronics saves energy. But how much energy does it actually save? And what does that look like in terms of cost savings?
According to the DOE, an appliance that idly consumes 1 watt of electrical current consumes a total of 9kWh annually, equal to about $1.50 per appliance (based on average energy prices). Given that most households have many electronics/appliances, this can quickly start to add up. In fact, the NRDC found that “home idle load” is on average 23%, equal to hundreds of dollars each year.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that saving energy is not only good for your wallet, but it’s good for the planet too. All energy needs to be generated, whether from non-renewable resources such as coal and natural gas, or renewable resources such as wind, water, and solar.
Although renewable resources are available, according to the Energy Information Administration the US still gets 60% of its electricity from fossil fuels, 18% from nuclear energy, and only 22% from renewable sources. Burning fossil fuels is responsible for nearly 40% of US CO2 emissions, so unless renewable resources become the norm, it’s important to reduce overall consumption of electricity.
Keep in mind that while conserving energy at home is certainly good for you and the planet, the residential sector is responsible for about 16% of energy consumption, compared to 35% by the industrial sector. You can find out more about those statistics here.
To increase the lifespan of electronics
In addition to saving energy, unplugging electronics can actually increase their lifespan! Electronics and appliances that are constantly plugged in and consuming energy slowly wear out over time. By unplugging electronics, you’re protecting their circuits from the electrical current and potential power surges, which can severely damage electronics.
For electronics with a battery, unplugging them when charged can help increase the lifespan of the battery. This is especially true for items such as cellphones and laptops with a lithium-ion battery.
To reduce fire hazards
There is always a slight risk of fire with electronics. While the risk is usually low, it increases when appliances become damaged or faulty. If a short happens or an appliance overheats, it could easily start a fire and result in serious damage or injury.
Luckily, you can reduce fire hazards around the home by keeping appliances in good working order and unplugging them when not in use.
Which electronics should you unplug?
As a rule of thumb, all electronics are energy vampires – they consume energy, even when switched “off.” But does that mean you should unplug all electronics when not in use? Not necessarily.
Depending on accessibility and necessity, some electronics are easier to unplug than others. For instance, these common energy vampires are easy to unplug:
Small appliances such as coffee makers, blenders, hair dryers, etc.
Microwaves and toaster ovens
TVs, DVRs, DVD players, etc.
Speakers
Lamps
Computers, laptops, and printers
Space heaters, fans, humidifiers, and AC units
Many of the above electronics don’t need to be in use all of the time, so unplugging them when not in use is a good way to reduce phantom energy consumption. To make things easier, consider plugging multiple electronics into a single power strip, making it easier to unplug several all at once. Some power strips even have built-in surge protection to protect your electronics.
Which electronics are better left plugged in?
Some electronics are simply too much of a bother to unplug regularly. Or, in the case of a refrigerator, it could lead to unwanted consequences such as food going bad.
So which electronics are better left plugged in? Modems and WiFi routers can take a while to reboot so these can be left plugged most of the time. As mentioned, refrigerators and freezers should be left plugged in to protect food. Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers can usually be unplugged, but often the outlet is out of reach, in which case they can be left plugged in for ease.
Unplugging electronics when going on vacation
If you’re going away on vacation, even for just a few days, it’s a good idea to unplug all electronics around the house, except for the fridge. This is the best way to know you’re saving energy, reducing the risk of fire, and increasing the lifespan of all your electronics.
Do you regularly unplug electronics when not in use? Which ones are the easiest vs. the most annoying to unplug?
