5 Appliances You May Want to Unplug When You’re Done Using Them

Most of us switch off an appliance and assume that’s the end of the story.

But many modern appliances continue drawing a small amount of electricity while they’re plugged in, even when they’re not actively being used. This is often called standby power or phantom energy.

The amount used by an individual device may be small, but across many appliances and over an entire year, those little amounts can add up.

Here are five common household items you may want to unplug when you don’t need them.

1. Chargers

Phone, tablet, camera, and other chargers are often left plugged into outlets long after the device has been removed.

A charger that isn’t connected to a device generally uses very little electricity, especially newer, efficient models. Still, unplugging chargers when they’re not needed is an easy habit if you want to reduce unnecessary standby consumption.

It also helps keep your outlets less cluttered.

2. Coffee Makers

Many modern coffee machines have electronic displays, clocks, timers, or warming functions.

Even when you’re not brewing coffee, these features can require electricity while the machine remains plugged in.

If you only use your coffee maker once in the morning, unplugging it afterward may be a simple way to avoid keeping it in standby mode all day.