Leaving certain appliances plugged in while you’re away can add unnecessary costs to your monthly bill and even pose a fire hazard. Here’s a rundown of which devices you should unplug before heading out.
Most folks remember to turn off the lights, but unplugging devices is a different story. Even when turned off, plugged-in electronics still consume standby power (also known as “vampire power”). This is the small but constant trickle of electricity a device uses just by being connected to an outlet. When you multiply that across all your devices, it can lead to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standby power share of home electricity use | Up to 10% of total bill (U.S. Dept. of Energy estimate) |
| Average annual vampire power cost per household | ~$100–$200/year |
| Toaster fire risk | One of the top 5 kitchen fire causes (NFPA) |
| Space heater fires per year (U.S.) | ~1,700 home fires annually (CPSC) |
The 7 Devices You Should Unplug Every Time
1. Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Crumbs build up in your toaster over time. If the heating element is active and crumbs are present, that could spark a fire. Unplugging it takes just a couple of seconds and eliminates the risk.
2. Space Heaters
Space heaters cause around 1,700 home fires in the U.S. each year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Never leave them on unattended. Unplugging them when you leave adds extra protection, even if they have auto-shutoff features — those sometimes fail.
3. Hair Styling Tools
Curling irons, flat irons, and hair dryers can reach over 400°F. Even if they have automatic shutoff timers, it’s risky to leave them plugged in near fabric or wood. Many house fires are linked to forgotten styling tools.
4. Laptop and Phone Chargers (When Nothing Is Connected)
A charger that’s plugged in but not connected to a device still uses a little power — usually between 0.1 to 0.5 watts. That doesn’t sound like much, but if you have several chargers around the house, it adds up over the year. This one’s more about saving energy than safety.
5. Desktop Computers and Gaming Consoles
These devices can consume a lot of standby power, especially older models. A desktop in sleep mode can still draw 10 to 30 watts. Gaming consoles, particularly those in “instant-on” mode, can pull 70 to 150 watts continuously. That’s like leaving a light bulb on all day, every day.
6. Small Kitchen Appliances (Coffee Makers, Blenders, Microwaves)
Microwaves with digital clocks are a classic example of vampire power — they use electricity just to show the time. Coffee makers with warming plates can be a fire hazard if there’s liquid left in the carafe. Blenders are less risky but still consume idle power.
7. Window Air Conditioners
If you’re away for several hours, a window AC unit left plugged in during a storm or power surge could sustain electrical damage or even overheat. Unplugging it means it won’t accidentally turn on due to a faulty thermostat.
What This Means for You
Think of your outlets as a slow leak in a water pipe. Individually, each plugged-in device seems harmless. But together, they drain money and, in some cases, create fire hazards while you’re not around. Developing a quick “unplug check” routine before you leave — just like checking for your keys and phone — can save you $100 or more each year and significantly lower fire risk.
A handy tip: plug high-risk or high-drain devices into a smart power strip (a device that cuts power to all connected devices at once via an app or a single switch). One tap before you leave can manage everything in one spot, like your entertainment center or home office desk.
What People Are Saying
“I got a smart plug for my toaster and set it to cut power automatically after 9 AM. Haven’t worried about it since. Game changer for anxious people who leave and immediately wonder if they unplugged it.”
“The gaming console standby power thing is real. I put a Kill-A-Watt meter on my PS5 in rest mode and it was pulling 85 watts constantly. That’s insane for something that’s supposedly ‘off.'”
Sources
What To Watch
- Smart home automation adoption: As more households use smart plugs and energy monitors, expect apps that automatically audit your home’s standby power usage and highlight the worst offenders. Major manufacturers are working on whole-home energy dashboards for 2026 and 2027.
- Updated CPSC guidelines: The Consumer Product Safety Commission periodically updates its safety recommendations for household appliances. New safety standards for space heaters and kitchen appliances are under review, with potential updates expected in late 2026.
- Utility rate changes: With electricity prices climbing in many U.S. regions, managing standby power is becoming more financially relevant. Keep an eye on your local utility’s rate announcements — the benefits of this habit grow as rates increase.
Ava Mitchell
Ava Mitchell is a digital culture journalist at Explosion.com covering social media platforms, streaming services, and the creator economy. With 4 years reporting on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and the apps that shape daily life, Ava specializes in explaining platform policy changes and their impact on everyday users. She previously managed social media strategy for a tech startup, giving her firsthand experience with the platforms she now covers.
