{"id":11020,"date":"2024-10-09T13:15:43","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=11020"},"modified":"2024-10-31T06:09:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T13:09:17","slug":"does-unplugging-appliances-save-electricity-what-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/does-unplugging-appliances-save-electricity-what-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Does unplugging appliances save electricity? What you should know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Could unplugging your appliances when they\u2019re not in use help lower your energy use? With rising utility bills and inflation, it’s natural to wonder if this simple habit actually pays off. Let\u2019s find out!<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your <\/span>model number<\/b><\/a> at<\/span> AppliancePartsPros.com<\/b><\/a> to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

What is standby power & why is it good to know about?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Standby power, also known as phantom load, refers to the electricity that appliances continue to draw even when they\u2019re turned off but remain plugged into an outlet. Many modern devices, especially those with electronic displays, clocks, or remote control features, consume a small amount of power in this idle state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For many homes, phantom power can account for 5-10% of total electricity use. In spaces like the kitchen and laundry room, which are filled with more and larger appliances, this phantom load can be more significant if appliances are left plugged in but not actively used.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Which appliances use the most power even when turned off?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some large household appliances consume power even when they\u2019re turned off due to their need to maintain settings, stay connected to a network, or keep certain features ready.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reducing the standby power usage of these appliances can be challenging because unplugging isn\u2019t usually practical for many people. However, owners can opt for energy-efficient models with low standby power consumption or turn off Wi-Fi features when they\u2019re not needed to help manage their electricity usage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the appliances that use the most power when turned off but still plugged in:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Refrigerators and freezers<\/b>: Although they\u2019re always technically \u201con,\u201d refrigerators cycle their compressors on and off, which can lead to phantom energy use. Smart fridges that are Wi-Fi-enabled for monitoring and diagnostics can consume even more power while idle.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. HVAC systems (particularly those with smart thermostats)<\/b>: Many modern HVAC systems are paired with smart thermostats that stay in standby mode to maintain connection, monitor temperatures, and be ready for remote control. This setup uses a small but constant amount of electricity.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Electric water heaters<\/b>: Electric water heaters can have a \u201cstandby loss\u201d as they work to keep water hot even when not in use. Older water heaters are more likely to lose heat this way, which requires constant reheating.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Washing machines and dryers (especially Wi-Fi-enabled models)<\/b>: Some newer models, particularly smart ones, stay on standby to maintain a connection, send alerts, or be ready for remote operation, which can draw power even when not in active use.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Read more: <\/b>5 Common Mistakes That Shorten The Lifespan Of Appliances<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

    How much electricity can you save by unplugging?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    For most appliances, standby power consumption ranges from 1 to 10 watts, which initially doesn\u2019t sound like a lot \u2014 if you don\u2019t have many appliances. Here\u2019s a breakdown of how much standby power common appliances use and how much that translates to in terms of cost:<\/span><\/p>\n