What to Unplug to Save Electricity: 17 Hidden Energy Drains in Your Home
Your home is full of small devices quietly pulling power even when they’re not in use. A charger left in the wall, a blinking clock on the microwave, or a printer sitting in standby doesn’t seem like much, but together, these “energy vampires” eat into your wallet month after month.
According to the Department of Energy, about 10% of the average household electricity bill comes from appliances left plugged in on standby. That’s money going to waste without adding any value.
This article breaks down what to unplug to save electricity and why it matters. You’ll see which devices use power on standby, how much they add to your bill, and the simple habits that keep those costs in check.
Oh and I get it. Some of these tips might seem inconvenient, maybe even unreasonable. But if saving money on electricity is the goal, they work.
Now let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Phone Charger
Phone chargers keep drawing electricity even when your phone isn’t connected. On their own, they may only use about 1 watt, but multiply that across every charger in your home and it’s wasted money for no reason.
Unplugging devices like chargers when not in use is one of the simplest ways to save electricity. Better yet, plug them into a power strip so one switch cuts them all off at once. Small habit, real payoff.
EV Charger
Electric vehicle chargers are notorious for sipping power even when the car isn’t attached. Does leaving things plugged in use electricity? Yes, and EV chargers can pull 10–20 watts in standby mode.
That adds up to $10–$20 a year for nothing. The fix is simple: unplug when not in use. It takes seconds, and it’s money you don’t have to lose.
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Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers often sit quietly in standby, drawing 3–10 watts even when the air is dry. That’s $4–$14 a year gone just to power small sensors and displays.
If you’re not in humid season, unplug the device and plug it back in only when needed. It will still do its job without draining your wallet during months you don’t use it.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are one of the biggest offenders when left plugged in. Even turned off, they can pull 5–15 watts to keep indicator lights glowing. That’s $7–$20 a year per heater.
Unplug when not in use, especially outside of winter. It’s the kind of standby cost that sneaks up on you, but cutting it off saves real money.
TV Set-Top Box
Cable and satellite boxes are true “energy vampires.” They can draw 10–30 watts in standby, costing up to $100 a year. That’s more than many people realize.
The easiest habit? Plug into a switched power strip and turn it off when you’re done watching. These devices don’t need to run 24/7, and shutting them down means instant savings.
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TV
Even when powered off, modern TVs still use 1–5 watts on standby. That might sound small, but across the year it adds up.
If you want to reduce energy bills, unplug appliances like TVs when not in use. A switched power strip makes this effortless, no more reaching behind the unit.
Laptop
Leaving a laptop charging all the time wastes energy and shortens battery life. Once it hits 100%, keeping it plugged in doesn’t help, it just keeps pulling power.
Unplug devices like laptops when fully charged. Not only does this save electricity, but it also extends the life of the battery, saving money on replacements.
Desktop Computers
A desktop left in standby pulls about 9–10 watts continuously, adding around $12 a year to your bill. And that’s before factoring in monitors and accessories.
The smarter move is simple: shut it down completely when you’re finished, especially overnight. It saves electricity and reduces wear on the hardware.
Devices with Clocks
Microwaves, ovens, and coffee makers all feature digital clocks that stay lit 24/7. That small glow costs around $10 a year per device.
Unplugging appliances to save energy makes sense when they aren’t needed. The microwave doesn’t need to keep time in an empty kitchen. Plug in only when you use it, and the savings stack up.
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Power Tool Chargers
Power tool chargers often stay plugged in long after the battery is full. Even with no tool attached, they can pull 5–10 watts around the clock. That’s like leaving your car engine idling in the driveway.
Unplug chargers when not in use. It takes seconds, keeps your bill lower, and doesn’t affect the tools’ readiness.
Clocks and TVs in Guest Rooms
Guest rooms sit unused for most of the year, but the electronics inside them keep working. A TV on standby plus a digital clock can quietly cost several dollars a year for a room no one is in.
Unplug devices in guest spaces when they’re not needed. Plug them back in when company visits. Until then, there’s no reason to pay for electricity going to waste.
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Blenders
That blender on the counter may look harmless, but it still uses 1–2 watts when plugged in, even if you only use it once a week.
Unplug small kitchen appliances that sit idle most of the time. Plugging them in only when you need them avoids paying for energy you’re not using.
Game Consoles
Game consoles are among the worst culprits. In standby mode, they can pull 10–20 watts, costing up to $15 a year just for being “ready to play.”
If gaming is a weekend activity, unplug when not in use or connect through a switched power strip. You’ll still enjoy the same experience without paying for downtime.
Printers
Printers are another device that almost never needs to stay on. In standby, they use around 5–10 watts, adding $10 a year for a machine you may only use monthly.
Unplug printers until you need them. The few seconds it takes to reconnect will save money with zero impact on performance.
Wireless Routers
Routers run 24/7, using 5–10 watts constantly. That’s $10–$15 a year for just one box. For some households, shutting it down at night or during vacations is an easy win.
If you can’t unplug your router daily, a smart plug with a timer can cut the waste automatically. That way you save electricity without adding hassle.
Speakers and Sound Systems
Speakers and home theater systems often sit idle while still drawing 5–10 watts. That’s about $10 a year for silence.
Unplug when not in use or use a power strip to cut the flow. When it’s movie night, the sound is just as good, only now it’s not costing you extra during the week.
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Heated Blankets and Mattress Pads
A heated blanket may feel cozy, but leaving it plugged in can waste 50–100 watts, adding up to $40 a year. That’s like running a space heater in an empty room.
Unplug heated bedding when it’s not in use. Staying warm is great, but there’s no reason to pay for power while you’re not even in bed.
Cut the Waste, Keep the Cash
Your electric bill isn’t just shaped by what you actively use, it’s also shaped by what you leave plugged in. These hidden drains, known as energy vampires, quietly pull power around the clock and cost households hundreds every year.
Unplugging appliances when not in use, or using power strips and smart plugs, puts control back in your hands. Small actions add up to real savings.
Saving electricity doesn’t always mean sacrificing comfort. It’s about removing waste so more of your money stays with you instead of disappearing into idle devices.
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