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Unplugging Appliances to Save Energy Myth – The Truth

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Myth: Unplugging appliances can save energy. People believe that unplugging their TV, computer, and other electronics when they’re not in use will help them save on their energy costs. But does unplugging appliances save electricity? 

Truth: There are some benefits to pulling the plug, but it’s not as simple as just unplugging everything! Keep reading to learn more.

Why Do People Suggest Unplugging Appliances?

If you’ve ever been told to unplug your appliances when they’re not in use, you may have wondered why. After all, appliances these days are designed to provide energy savings, so what’s the harm in leaving them plugged in?

As it turns out, there are a few good reasons to unplug your appliances when you’re not using them. Appliances that are always plugged in are slowly wearing down the wiring and components. This can lead to a shortened lifespan for the appliance, as well as an increased risk of fire.

Even when they’re turned off, appliances still use a small amount of energy known as phantom energy. Over time, this can add up to a significant amount of wasted electricity and a higher electric bill.

Should I Unplug My TV When Not in Use? 

There’s no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on several factors. For example, if you have an older TV, it may use more electricity when turned off than a newer model. If you frequently turn your TV on and off, it’s generally more efficient to leave it plugged in.

If you’re not using your TV for an extended period, such as when you’re gone on vacation, it’s probably best to unplug it. This way, you’ll avoid wasting electricity and potentially increase the lifespan of your TV.

Does Unplugging the Microwave Save Electricity?

Some people believe that unplugging their microwave or unused appliances will save electricity. After all, it’s not like the microwave is doing anything when it’s not in use, so why leave it plugged in? 

If you don’t use it very often, unplugging your microwave can save you some money on your electricity bill, although it will likely be a minimal amount. Microwaves use very little power when they’re turned off, but they are a continuous power flow also known as phantom power. Saving electricity and lowering your energy bill could be as simple as unplugging devices that you don’t use often.

Does Unplugging Lamps Save Electricity?

Even when a lamp is turned off, it’s still using a small amount of electricity. Over time, this can add up to a significant amount of energy wasted. So next time you’re finished using a lamp, be sure to unplug it from the wall outlet. You’ll save a little bit of electricity – and money – in the process. You can also consider plugging multiple lamps or devices such as TVs, phones, and computers into a power strip that can protect them from power surges.

Do you save electricity by unplugging appliances?

Appliances such as newer TVs and computers are designed to go into standby mode when they’re turned off, using only a small amount of power to maintain their current settings. So, unplugging these devices after each use provides only very small electricity savings.

For the greatest electricity savings, it’s best to focus on appliances that use a continuous flow of power, such as microwaves, coffee makers, and anything with an external power supply typically found on routers, printers, and modems. By unplugging these devices when they’re not in use, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption.

What are the Benefits of Unplugging Appliances?

Plugging in appliances such as laptops, cell phone chargers, and blenders can add up to a significant amount of energy consumption in your home. Here are some benefits of unplugging appliances:

  • Save money
  • Reduce energy usage
  • Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Reduce the chance of electrical fires (power strips can help with this, too!)
  • Reduces the risk of damage during a power surge

Why is it Important to Unplug Appliances When Not in Use?

Even appliances that are turned off but still plugged into an outlet continue to draw power, which is wasted energy and is also known as energy vampires. Wasted energy can add up over time, costing you money and harming the environment. So next time you’re finished using your coffee maker or hair dryer, be sure to unplug it until you need it again. It’s a simple way to conserve energy and make a positive impact on the world around you.

Other Energy Saving Tips

One way to conserve energy is to make your home more energy efficient. Besides unplugging your appliances there are several ways this can be accomplished.

  • Sealing drafts
  • Insulating walls and ceilings
  • Replacing inefficient light bulbs
  • Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Many appliance manufacturers now offer energy-efficient models that use less electricity than older models.
  • Use natural sources of light instead of artificial light whenever possible.
  • Be mindful of your energy consumption. For example, you can turn off lights when you leave a room.
  • Use a power strip to help with energy usage and plug multiple devices into one strip. You can also look into smart power strips which help reduce electricity usage and diminish energy vampires (appliances that suck your energy efficiency even when they are turned off).

 

Have more questions about home energy savings? Contact our team at Wattson Home Solutions. We provide our residential customers with a list of energy-saving services, including insulation installation, air sealing, energy star-rated heating and cooling options, and much more.

Give our team a call and see what we can do for your home today.