Remembering to unplug certain items before you leave the house is great for two reasons – it lessens the risk of electrical fires and keeps your energy consumption down.
It's a common misconception that if we're not using something, it's not pulling from the electrical source, but in fact, there's a lot to be said for 'phantom power'. Our experts reveal the six household items to unplug if you're heading out.
This will stop a costly mistake from reducing your appliances' lifespan, driving up your bills, and giving you peace of mind.
1. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
Tempting as it may be to leave them working, humidifiers and dehumidifiers should be unplugged when you leave at the house.
There are appliances that we completely forget about when we're in and out of our homes.
One category that tends to be overlooked is the "unattended appliances" that run silently in the background 24/7.
Sofia Wang, home appliance expert at EMPAVA Appliances says, 'Think about dehumidifiers, humidifiers, air purifiers and heated toilet seats – they look harmless, but they are actually responsible for many electrical fires.' Sofia has a great point, as some people do feel the need to sleep with a humidifier on.
The problem with some of these appliances is that they don't have auto shut-off functions, and according to Sofia, dust accumulation around motors and vents can pose a serious fire risk over time.
Amazon has a large selection of dehumidifiers with auto-shut off if you're looking for a replacement, however unplugging before you leave is the way to go to remove any risk of fire and low-level electricity usage.
2. Printers
Phone chargers and printers are common devices that are left plugged in.
When you have a moment, take a walk around your home says Clement Feng, VP of product management at Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions. 'You'll quickly identify items to unplug before yuo leave the house, like your printer for example.'
Printers are one item that unless you use it every single day, can be unplugged when not in use. Yet we tend to forget about these things once we've used them.
'I now do a quick "unplug sweep" before I leave the house,' says Sofia. 'It only takes 30 seconds and absolutely gives me peace of mind.'
3. TVs
TVs and games consoles definitely draw power from the source when not in use, get into the habit of turning them off.
Another key item that we all use daily is the TV. Hands up if you unplug yours every night?! 'Vampire' appliances are secretly costing you money, and this is potentially one.
'Your TV and video game consoles are using energy even when they are turned off because they are still plugged in,' says Clement.
So next time the kids have been gaming and go up to bed, it might be worth popping back down and unplugging their devices.
If you get met with moans about TVs then do a test. 'The best way to find out for sure is by conducting your own test with a power consumption meter,' advises Clement. 'They are easy to use, can cost less than $25 and are sold online and at neighborhood hardware stores and large home improvement retailers. Simply plug each appliance into the meter and you’ll get a measurement of how much power the appliance uses.'
We like the upgraded home energy monitor plug from Amazon that monitors your electrical usage.
4. Music systems and record players
At the end of the evening always go round your kitchen and unplug devices that aren't being used.
If you love entertaining or having a secret kitchen disco when home alone, then your music system or record player is one item that can be unplugged when you go out.
It's another 'phantom power' puller that can increase your energy bills without you even realizing. A radio would also come under this category. Another way to think about it is to remember that unplugging will also give your item a longer life – conserving energy and reducing wear and tear is always a bonus!
5. Laptops and desktop computers
Try to remember to turn off your desktop computer when you leave the house, although 'sleep mode' will help, it's still pulling energy.
There are two elements here – the first is charging your laptop and leaving it plugged in once it's done (we've all done this), the second is leaving your desktop computer on standby when you go out.
Both of these will be slowly draining your energy consumption. It's important to get into the habit of turning them off and unplugging. However, if you've got a family member who's downloading a game on their gaming PC for example, then they can adjust the brightness and unplug other devices attached to the PC to lessen the consumption.
Another way to reduce your energy bills is to improve your home's EPC rating rating it's a great way to see how energy-efficient your space is.
6. Air fresheners
Using natural scents like diffusers will help to keep costs down when you want to get rid of pet smells.
We get it – we all want to set a good impression especially when guests are due and scent is really important.
However, plug in air-fresheners are another item that can be unplugged when no one is home. They don't need to be permanently 'on', in fact it's best to only turn them on for about 20 minutes before your guests arrive or to freshen up your spaces.
A good alternative to an energy-using scent is to buy some reed diffusers instead, they can be naturally scenting your home without costing you a penny.
QVC always have a great range, we adore their HomeWorx by Slatkin + Co reed diffuser in Sun Kissed Lemon – a fresh zesty sent of Mediterranean lemon, fresh verbena, sparkling grapefruit and white woods.
Our appliance essentials
Appliances bring us joy but also can be create cord issues and drain our consumption. Below we've sourced our top three products to help solve these problems.
This clever plug has an illuminated switch that firstly can remind you to unplug it, and secondly has an on/off switch that means it stops pulling from the electric as it has its own shut off. You get three in a pack so try it on your top used items and see the results!
Surge protection
Get organized with this multi-function outlet extender that can be wall-mounted. There are six outlets and three smart USB charging ports. The surge protecter is an excellent addition from a safety point of view and the fact that many plugs are in one system means you're more likely to unplug in one go.
If you don't think you can remember to unplug your laptop or phone after charging then consider this beautiful monitor riser that has wireless charging option. It also comes with a USB port and the built in drawer and open shelf gives you some storage for office essentials.
Meet the experts
Sofia has great knowledge across global consumer markets and luxury appliances. She frequently provides expert comment on emerging trends in home improvement, innovative appliance solutions, interior design, e-commerce strategies, and digital consumer behavior.
Clement has immense expertise in residential and commercial backup power, clean energy and home improvement products. For over two decades, he has helped educate homeowners and business owners to achieve energy independence and improve resilience in managing power outages.
It might not seem much on an individual item basis, but if you start to unplug as many devices as you can when you've finished using them, or leave the house, you will start to notice a difference.
It's also important to remember what appliances you should always unplug before going on vacation, especially if it's for more than a few days.
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