With the multitude of electrical appliances in modern homes, it’s important to be mindful of energy consumption. While some devices need to run continuously, others only operate intermittently. Developing the habit of unplugging electrical appliances when not in use can significantly reduce your electricity bills.
Even when certain appliances appear to be turned off, they may still be drawing power and costing you money. This is especially true for the following four household appliances, which can double your electricity costs if left plugged in.
Water Heaters
While it may be tempting to leave your water heater plugged in for instant hot water access, doing so can lead to increased electricity costs. Keeping the heater constantly connected to power means it operates 24/7, automatically turning on whenever the water temperature drops below a certain threshold. This constant cycling can result in unnecessary energy consumption.
By unplugging your water heater when not in use, you can save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on your electricity bills.
Air Conditioners
During hot summer days, air conditioners are a necessity. However, frequently turning the AC on and off can be costly. Each time the unit restarts, the internal motor runs at a high capacity for a short period, consuming a significant amount of electricity.
To save energy, it’s best to maintain a stable temperature setting and avoid constant on-and-off cycling. If you can’t run the air conditioner 24/7, make sure to unplug it or turn it off at the power source, rather than just using the control panel, when it’s not in use.
Leaving it plugged in will still draw a small amount of power, and you may be surprised at the difference in your electricity bill if you start unplugging it after each use.
Televisions
Televisions can also be energy guzzlers if left plugged in continuously. Most modern TV manufacturers do not include a complete shut-off feature, instead opting for a “standby” mode. This means that when you use your remote control to turn off the TV, it doesn’t actually power down—it goes into a low-power mode, waiting for you to turn it on again.
Rice Cookers
Rice cookers are a staple in many households, but do you unplug them after your rice is cooked? Leaving the cooker plugged in to keep the rice warm until mealtime may seem convenient, but it’s an unnecessary waste of electricity.
Once the rice is cooked, the appliance itself retains enough heat to keep the rice warm naturally. Unplugging it at this point will help you save energy and reduce your electricity costs.