Electrician's Reminder: Leaving These 4 Devices Plugged In at Home Can Cause Your Electricity Bill to Skyrocket

Be cautious with electrical devices and "don't let money slip away."

 

 

As summer approaches, the demand for electricity rises sharply. If you don’t pay attention to using and managing electrical devices, unnecessary energy consumption will cause your electricity bill to soar. According to electricians, one of the most common causes of high energy costs is leaving devices plugged in when not in use—especially these four devices:

1. Water Heaters

The structure of water heaters allows them to maintain water temperature as long as they are powered on. While this may sound convenient, enabling access to hot water at any time, the water heater continues consuming electricity throughout the day to maintain its temperature.

In summer, when hot water is rarely needed, leaving the water heater on wastes a significant amount of electricity. Therefore, unplugging the water heater when it’s not in use can help save a considerable amount of money on your electricity bill.

 

2. Phone Chargers

Phone chargers, even when not connected to a phone, still draw a small amount of electricity if left plugged into the outlet. Though this power consumption is minimal, over time it can contribute to higher energy costs.

Moreover, leaving a charger plugged in can be hazardous. You risk getting shocked if you accidentally touch the plug, and placing the charging head on pillows or blankets can lead to fires due to electrical leaks. Therefore, unplugging chargers when not in use is a good habit that not only saves electricity but also prolongs the charger’s lifespan.

 

3. Televisions

Even after pressing the “Off” button on the remote control, televisions don’t completely shut down. If left plugged in, they remain in standby mode, with electricity continuously flowing to support functions like timers, channel memory, and software updates.

Smart TVs, in particular, consume more energy while maintaining network connectivity. Unplugging the television when not in use is an economical and effective way to save energy.

 

4. Air Conditioners

Many people leave air conditioners in standby mode for convenience, but this means they continue consuming electricity even when not actively cooling. Additionally, air conditioners often remain in standby mode with indicator lights on, wasting energy unnecessarily.

During seasons when air conditioners aren’t in use, unplugging them not only saves electricity but also allows the device to "rest," prolonging its lifespan.

 

Adopting these small but effective habits can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills and ensure the safety and longevity of your appliances.