7 Power-Hungry Home Appliances: Unplugging Them Can Save Electricity—but Also Shorten Their Lifespan
Below are 7 common household devices that experts advise not to unplug frequently after each use.*
Many families unplug appliances right after using them, believing it saves electricity and improves safety. However, according to electrical engineers and home-appliance experts, not all devices are suitable for frequent power cut-offs. In fact, repeatedly unplugging and plugging some appliances can cause faster wear on internal components and significantly reduce their lifespan.
Here are 7 appliances commonly recommended to stay plugged in:
Washing Machines & Clothes Dryers
These high-power appliances often use dedicated outlets or fixed wiring. Frequently unplugging them can loosen sockets, wear out plug pins, and increase electrical safety risks.
Many modern models also store usage data, run self-diagnostics, and learn user habits. Cutting power completely can disrupt these systems and affect long-term performance.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators require continuous power to maintain stable temperatures. Unplugging causes internal temperatures to rise quickly, leading to food spoilage and bacterial growth.
Each time power is restored, the compressor must work harder to cool down again, putting extra strain on components and consuming more electricity than steady operation.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers rely on electronic control boards and memory to retain programmed settings. In standby mode, they consume very little power.
Frequent unplugging can interrupt timers, sensors, and diagnostic functions—especially in modern models—while offering almost no real energy savings.
Microwaves
Some people unplug microwaves to avoid standby power used by the digital clock. In reality, this power consumption is minimal.
Repeated unplugging wears out outlets and plugs, and resetting the clock every time is inconvenient—particularly for built-in units. Experts say keeping microwaves plugged in is better for durability.
Wi-Fi Modems & Routers
These devices are designed for continuous operation. Frequently unplugging them disrupts internet connectivity and stresses internal power supplies due to repeated restarts.
Experts recommend unplugging only for troubleshooting or maintenance. Continuous operation ensures stable connections and longer lifespan.
Electric Ovens & Induction Cooktops
These high-wattage appliances are designed for long-term or fixed connections. Unplugging after every use is inconvenient and can be unsafe due to handling high electrical loads.
Keeping them plugged in as designed is safer and more efficient than constant unplugging.
Water Heaters
Water heaters need stable power to maintain heating efficiency. Frequent power cuts force heating elements to work harder on restart, shortening their lifespan.
Constant temperature fluctuations also increase electricity consumption compared to steady operation.
Bottom line:
Unplugging isn’t always safer or more economical. For many appliances, stable power means better efficiency, longer lifespan, and fewer safety risks.
