10 things you should unplug if you want your electric bill to drop

10 things you should unplug if you want your electric bill to drop

Electricity bills creep up faster than you realize, and sometimes it's not the big appliances doing the damage-it's the little ones that stay plugged in all day. Even when something isn't in use, many devices keep drawing power, which adds up month after month.

Once I started paying attention to what stayed plugged in around the house, I noticed a real difference. Cutting down on this "phantom energy" is easy, and it doesn't cost you a dime to start.

Computers and Laptops

Computers and laptops left plugged in draw power even when shut down. Chargers, in particular, keep pulling energy unless you unplug them.

Turning everything off at the strip or unplugging them when not in use makes a noticeable difference. Your devices also tend to stay in better condition when they aren't constantly on standby.

Phone Chargers

Leaving phone chargers plugged in all day can slowly add to your bill. Even without a phone attached, most keep pulling a small amount of power. It may not seem like much, but over time, it adds up.

Unplugging them after charging is finished not only saves electricity but also makes your cords last longer. You'll notice they stay in better shape when they aren't sitting in the socket constantly.

Coffee Maker

Coffee makers often stay plugged in even when they're not brewing. The clock and standby settings can use more power than you'd expect for something that sits idle most of the day.

Unplugging it after your morning cup cuts that wasted energy. It only takes a second, and you'll see the payoff when your bill is lower.

Microwave

Microwaves are one of the biggest standby power users in most kitchens. That glowing clock runs nonstop, even when you're not heating anything up.

If you don't mind resetting the clock now and then, unplugging it saves more than you'd think. You'll only be using power when you're actually cooking, not for keeping the time.

Toaster

A toaster doesn't look like it would use power when it's not in use, but it does. Those heating elements are always connected while it sits plugged in.

By unplugging it, you keep your kitchen counter safer and save a little on your bill. It becomes a habit you don't even notice after a while.

Game Consoles

Game consoles are some of the worst offenders for phantom power. They stay connected to updates, networks, and quick-start modes even when turned "off."

Shutting them down fully and unplugging them when you're not playing stops that hidden drain. It also keeps the system from overheating or wearing down as quickly.

TVs

Modern TVs don't really turn off when you hit the remote-they go into standby mode. That means they're always drawing a small amount of power, waiting for you to press the button again.

Using a power strip makes it easier to cut them off fully. Switching it off when you're not watching saves you money without any real inconvenience.

Printers

Printers left on or plugged in all the time stay in standby mode, quietly pulling power. They may even run maintenance cycles you don't need, which adds to the waste.

Unplugging your printer between uses keeps it from running in the background. It only takes a second to plug it back in when you really need to print something.

Modems and Routers

Internet equipment is usually on 24/7, but if you're going to bed or heading out of town, unplugging it can cut down on wasted energy. Routers and modems use more power than you think.

Even turning them off overnight makes a difference over time. Plus, it gives your connection a fresh restart when you power them back up.

Small Kitchen Gadgets

Blenders, air fryers, and other small kitchen gadgets pull standby power even when they're sitting on the counter. Since they're used only occasionally, leaving them plugged in wastes energy for no reason.

Keeping them unplugged until you need them saves money and clears up counter space at the same time. It's a small habit that pays off every month.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.