Are You Overpaying for Electricity? Unplug 17 Common Items

I used to roll my eyes at “phantom power.” Then I checked my own home with a cheap plug-in meter and saw the truth: TVs that were “off,” a game console sleeping, a coffee maker clock—each sipping power all day. The bill didn’t spike overnight, but those tiny leaks added up.

If you’ve tried cutting back and still wondered why your bill won’t budge, it’s not just your AC or fridge. It’s the small stuff we ignore because it feels harmless. Chargers left in the wall. A printer you barely use. The router that hums away while you sleep.

In this guide, I’ll show you the exact things to unplug at home to save electricity—no guesswork, no guilt. We’ll tackle the easy wins room by room, set up smart habits that don’t mess with your routine, and clear up what should stay plugged in for safety.

I’ll keep it simple: quick actions you can do tonight, smarter swaps for the weekend, and a plan that actually sticks. No scare tactics—just real savings you can see on your next bill.

Before we dive in, tell me this: which room at your place do you think hides the biggest energy leaks—the living room, kitchen, or home office?

Why Unplugging Saves You More Than You Think

Phantom power (vampire energy) explained

Here’s the thing: even when you switch devices “off,” many of them keep sipping electricity. It’s called phantom power or “vampire energy.” I first noticed it when my TV’s red standby light glowed at night—I thought it was harmless, but it was pulling a few watts the whole time. Same story with chargers, printers, and even the microwave clock.

The catch? None of these look like a big deal on their own. But when you add them up across your home, that invisible drain quietly pushes your bill higher every single month.

Think about it:

• A phone charger left in the wall still uses energy, even without your phone attached.
• Consoles in “sleep mode” keep updates running and can burn through more power than you think.
• Kitchen appliances with clocks and lights are basically running 24/7.

It’s not waste you see—which is exactly why so many people ignore it.

Annual cost of standby electricity

You might wonder, “Okay, but how much is this really costing me?” According to the U.S. Department of Energy, phantom loads can account for 5–10% of your total household electricity use, which can add up to roughly $100 a year. In other words, you’re paying for electricity you never actually used, just because devices stay plugged in.

Now imagine this: if you’re already looking for ways to cut back—maybe adjusting the thermostat or switching to LED bulbs—unplugging unused devices is the lowest-effort fix you can make today. No investment, no upgrades, just a quick habit shift.

How Much Can You Actually Save?

Monthly vs annual savings snapshot

When I first unplugged a handful of devices (my console, the coffee maker, and a couple of chargers), my monthly bill dropped by about $8. Doesn’t sound like much, right? But stretch that out:

• $8/month = $96/year for just a few devices.
• Unplug more hidden drains, and you could easily save $150 or more every year.

That’s money better spent on groceries, a streaming subscription, or just not burned away at all.

Environmental impact (carbon footprint reduction)

Beyond your wallet, there’s another angle—you’re cutting your home’s carbon footprint without even trying. Every watt you don’t waste is less energy pulled from the grid. Over a year, reducing phantom power:

• Cuts down hundreds of pounds of CO₂ emissions for the average home.
• Makes a bigger impact when multiplied across millions of households.

It’s the kind of change that feels small in your daily routine but stacks up in the bigger picture. By simply unplugging or using a power strip, you’re not just lowering bills—you’re actively contributing to a lighter footprint.

17 Things to Unplug at Home to Save Electricity

If you’ve ever wondered “what exactly should I unplug?” here’s the full breakdown. I’ve grouped them by room so it’s easier for you to spot which culprits are hiding in your own home.

Kitchen Culprits

The kitchen is full of small gadgets that never really turn off. Even the ones you only use once a day keep sipping energy the rest of the time.

1. Microwave ovens – the clock and display draw power 24/7.

2. Coffee makers – digital timers and heating elements stay warm even when you’re not brewing.

3. Toasters & toaster ovens – indicator lights and circuits don’t shut down fully.

4. Air fryers / blenders – newer models often come with LED displays that stay active.

Tip: Plug these into a single power strip and switch it off after breakfast.

Living Room & Entertainment

This is where “phantom energy” hits hardest, because most devices are designed to be on standby.

5. Televisions – modern flat screens can draw 5–10 watts in standby.

6. Game consoles (PS, Xbox, Nintendo) – “rest mode” keeps downloads and updates running.

7. Streaming boxes (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick) – constantly connected unless you unplug.

8. Smart speakers (Echo, Google Nest, etc.) – always listening for voice commands.

A recent piece from SaveOnEnergy shows these living room devices are some of the top standby energy offenders, costing households up to $100 a year in wasted electricity.

Home Office

With more of us working from home, office gear has become another hidden drain.

9. Desktop monitors – still draw power even when the computer is off.

10. Printers & scanners – warm-up circuits and Wi-Fi features keep running.

11. Chargers (phones, laptops, tablets) – adapters use energy whether charging or not.

12. Wi-Fi routers/modems – they hum 24/7; consider unplugging at night if you can.

If you can’t unplug daily, at least set these devices on a timer to shut off overnight.

Bedroom & Bathroom

These don’t look like much, but they keep a constant trickle going.

13. Electric toothbrush chargers – a few watts, but nonstop if left plugged in.

14. Hair dryers & straighteners – always unplug for both safety and savings.

15. Bedside lamps with smart bulbs/adapters – adapters use energy even when lights are off.

Seasonal & Hidden Drains

Easy to forget, but costly if ignored.

16. Space heaters & portable AC units – thermostats and lights keep drawing power.

17. Holiday lights & decorative plug-ins – run quietly in the background if left in.

Quick habit: make it a rule—after the season ends, everything gets unplugged before it goes back in storage.

Which room do you think is costing you the most right now—your kitchen, living room, or home office?

Do You Need to Unplug Everything? (Myth-Busting)

Appliances that should stay plugged in

Not everything in your home should be unplugged. Some devices are designed to run continuously for safety, health, or food preservation. For example:

• Refrigerators and freezers – unplugging them means spoiled food and wasted money.
• Medical equipment – CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or other critical devices should always stay connected.
• Security systems – cameras, alarms, and smart locks need uninterrupted power.

Unplugging these isn’t just inconvenient—it can create safety risks. The goal isn’t to pull every plug in sight, but to target the ones that silently waste power without serving a purpose.

Smart plugs & timers as alternatives

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to go around yanking cords every night. Smart plugs and outlet timers can handle the work for you. With a smart plug, you can:

• Schedule devices to shut off automatically overnight.
• Turn groups of devices off with a tap on your phone.
• Track energy use so you know which gadgets are worth unplugging.

For example, you could set your Wi-Fi router to power down at midnight and switch back on in the morning—saving energy without interrupting your routine. Smart plugs aren’t just convenient—they’re proven money-savers. We broke down 4 practical ways smart plugs can cut your energy use and lower your bills so you can see the real difference they make.

If you’re not sure which devices matter most, Inspire Clean Energy points out that chargers, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes are among the biggest standby energy users, while essentials like fridges should be left alone.

How Much Power Do These 17 Devices Use?

Here’s a snapshot based on typical standby wattage and average U.S. electricity rates (≈15 cents/kWh):

Costs vary by region and electricity rates, but this gives you a ballpark idea.

Biggest “energy vampires” ranked

From this list, the worst offenders in most homes are:

1. Game consoles in rest mode
2. Wi-Fi routers/modems
3. Televisions
4. Streaming devices
5. Printers and scanners

These alone can cost you $40–50 a year if left plugged in constantly.

If you had to pick one device to tackle first, which would you unplug tonight—the console, the router, or the TV?

Pro Tips to Maximise Your Savings

Use power strips & timers

If you hate the idea of pulling plugs every night, a power strip with a switch is your best friend. Group your kitchen gadgets, or your TV setup, into one strip and flip it off before bed. Outlet timers are another easy win—they cut the power at set hours while you sleep.

Adjust energy-saving settings on TVs/consoles

Most modern TVs and game consoles have hidden eco modes. Lowering screen brightness, disabling “instant on,” and setting auto-shutdown timers can shave watts without changing how you use them. Small tweaks like this stack up over the months.

Upgrade to Energy Star appliances for long-term gains

If your gadgets are over a decade old, they’re probably wasting energy even when they’re “efficient.” When it’s time to replace them, look for the Energy Star label. These devices are designed to minimise standby draw—and over their lifespan, they can save you hundreds of dollars in electricity.

And remember, saving money isn’t only about unplugging—it’s also about taking care of what you already own. Try these 10 easy maintenance hacks to double the life of your appliances before you think about replacements.

Mistakes That Cancel Out Your Savings

Leaving chargers in sockets

We’ve all done it—pull the phone off the charger and leave the brick in the wall. Those bricks still pull power even when nothing’s attached. It’s a slow, constant drain.

Overloading strips with standby devices

Plugging everything into a single strip but forgetting to switch it off defeats the whole purpose. You save nothing, and in some cases you risk overheating the strip.

Forgetting seasonal items

Holiday lights, portable heaters, or window AC units quietly burn power even when you’re not using them. If they’re not in season, unplug them or store them away.

It’s not just indoor gadgets—sometimes even your outdoor lights can waste power and compromise security. If you’ve ever wondered whether your porch light is helping or hurting, check out our guide on whether your porch light could actually attract thieves.

Quick Home Checklist

Here’s a simple breakdown you can pin on the fridge:

Kitchen

• Microwave ovens
• Coffee makers
• Toasters & toaster ovens
• Air fryers / blenders

Living Room & Entertainment

• Televisions
• Game consoles
• Streaming boxes
• Smart speakers

Home Office

• Desktop monitors
• Printers & scanners
• Chargers (phones, laptops, tablets)
• Wi-Fi routers/modems (overnight)

Bedroom & Bathroom

• Electric toothbrush chargers
• Hair dryers & straighteners
• Bedside lamps with smart adapters

Seasonal & Hidden

• Space heaters & portable AC units
• Holiday lights & plug-in décor

Key Takeaways to Slash Your Bills

• Phantom power accounts for 5–10% of your electricity use—that’s up to $100/year gone for nothing.
• The biggest culprits are game consoles, TVs, routers, and kitchen appliances with displays.
• Quick wins include power strips, smart plugs, and adjusting device settings.
• Long-term, upgrading to Energy Star appliances locks in bigger savings.
• Building small unplugging habits now saves money and lowers your carbon footprint.

What do you think—are you more likely to start with the TV, the router, or the kitchen gadgets? Drop your answer in the comments, and let’s see which room drains the most for everyone.

For more practical home improvement and money-saving guides, check out Build Like New—your go-to place for smarter living tips.

Disclaimer: The energy savings and cost estimates shared here are general examples based on average U.S. electricity rates. Actual results may vary depending on your devices, usage habits, and local utility costs. Always follow manufacturer instructions before unplugging or using power strips with appliances.