Unplug Devices When Away to Save on Your Utility Bills

Many homeowners unknowingly waste money on utilities by leaving devices plugged in while they are away. Unplug Devices When Away is a simple step that can reduce your energy bills significantly. You may not realize it, but appliances use energy even when they are switched off. This “phantom” energy usage can add up over time, especially if you have multiple devices.

In this article, we’ll explore which household appliances consume unnecessary energy and how you can easily cut down on these costs.

1. Small Kitchen Appliances Can Drain Your Energy

Most people have several small kitchen appliances plugged in on the countertops. While you might use them daily, many continue to draw power when not in use. Items like toasters, kettles, air fryers, and coffee machines can still consume electricity, even when they are turned off.

“In the kitchen, appliances with digital displays can still pull power, even when they are off,” says Clement Feng, VP of Product Management at Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions. The best way to save is to unplug devices when away. By doing so, you’ll prevent these small appliances from consuming energy unnecessarily.

2. Don’t Forget About Non-Essential Smart Devices

Smart home products like Alexa, Google Home, and other similar devices are fantastic but can waste energy when left plugged in all the time. If these devices are not being actively used, unplugging them is a simple way to save on energy costs.

“A quick way to tell if something is using energy is to feel it. If it’s warm, even when turned off, it’s still drawing power,” says Glenn Lewis, President of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company. Unplug devices when away to avoid wasting energy on smart gadgets that aren’t essential while you’re gone.

3. Turn Off Lights and Save Energy

It’s common practice to turn off lights when leaving a room, but did you know that leaving unnecessary lights on can raise your utility bills? Even lights that are on standby or in “sleep” mode may draw power.

Bill Taylor, HVAC Contractor Manager at South Jersey Gas, advises, “Make it a habit to turn off all lights before leaving a room. This small action can significantly reduce your energy consumption.”

4. Fans and Air Purifiers Don’t Need to Stay On

Fans and air purifiers are commonly used to improve air quality and keep homes cool. However, leaving them running when you’re not at home is an easy way to waste electricity.

“Make sure to turn off and unplug devices when away. Fans and purifiers don’t need to continue operating if no one is there to benefit from them,” says Daniel Mock, VP of Operations at Mister Sparky. These appliances should be turned off, especially when you’re on vacation or running errands.

Other Appliances That Need to Be Unplugged

Appliances and devices can be deceptive when it comes to their energy usage. Just because they are small or turned off doesn’t mean they’re not consuming energy. The best way to identify energy drains in your home is by performing an energy test.

“Overall, appliance size doesn’t always determine energy usage,” Feng explains. By unplugging devices when away, you ensure that your home is running efficiently, even when you’re not there.

Conclusion: Start Unplugging Today to Lower Your Energy Bills

Unplugging devices when you’re away may seem like a small task, but it adds up over time. From kitchen appliances to smart devices, many household items continue to draw energy unnecessarily. Unplug devices when away to cut down on phantom energy consumption and keep your utility bills under control.

Start unplugging your non-essential appliances and create a routine to reduce wasted energy. A little effort can result in big savings for you and the environment.

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