It all began with the slightest whiff of something burning in the kitchen—not enough to panic, but enough to make me pause.
The toaster hadn’t been in use for hours, yet the plug felt suspiciously warm to the touch. That’s when I realized there was more going on than meets the eye.
How many of the everyday devices in our homes are quietly drawing electricity even when we’re not using them—or worse, setting the stage for a potential electrical hazard? We often think that simply switching an appliance off is enough.
But what if the real danger lurks in what’s happening when we’re not paying attention?
Safeguard Your Home and Save Money: Unplug These 5 Appliances Every Time You’re Done Using Them
Taking the extra step to unplug household devices after each use doesn’t just help shave a few dollars off your monthly electricity bill—it also makes your home safer and helps prolong the life of your appliances. Many items in your home continue to draw small amounts of electricity even when they’re switched off. This phenomenon—known as “phantom” or “standby” power—can account for up to 10% of your household’s total electricity consumption, according to experts.
Worse still, it increases the risk of overheating and electrical fires, particularly during power surges or storms. Spending a few seconds to unplug devices can grant you peace of mind and lasting benefits. Let’s look at five everyday appliances you should always unplug after use—and share some practical safety tips for your home.
1. Toasters and Toaster Ovens
These kitchen workhorses are often overlooked, but they can pose more danger than you might realize. Crumbs left inside toasters or toaster ovens can ignite if the appliance overheats or experiences a malfunction.
Even when powered off, these appliances often continue to draw a small amount of electricity—wasting energy and heightening fire risk. A faulty plug or an unexpected power surge could easily cause a short circuit, especially if the toaster is positioned near flammable items like paper towels or plastic packaging.
Older models, in particular, lack modern safety features and are more prone to issues. The heating coils can even remain hot for some time after use. Making it a routine to unplug and clean your toaster reduces the risk of fire and keeps it functioning properly for years to come.
2. Coffee Makers
Coffee makers are a daily necessity for many, but they can also be a silent energy drain. Even when not in active use, many models stay warm or keep their internal clocks running, adding extra dollars to your utility bill over time. This continuous power draw can also wear down internal components, making them more susceptible to overheating or even smoke.
Since many coffee makers are placed near potentially flammable objects like paper, wooden shelves, or curtains, this risk is heightened. While features like auto-shutoff help, they don’t completely eliminate phantom power usage. Unplugging your coffee maker after every brew is a simple step to reduce risk and save money—without giving up your daily cup of coffee.
3. Space Heaters
Space heaters are one of the top culprits when it comes to home fires, especially when used incorrectly. Even when switched off, many models still draw a trickle of electricity if they’re plugged in. If they get tipped over or sustain damage—especially in homes with curious kids or energetic pets—they can overheat or short-circuit. Older heaters may lack essential safety features like automatic shut-off or heat sensors, making them particularly hazardous.
Placing them too close to flammable items like blankets or curtains further raises the risk. Avoid plugging these devices into overloaded power strips or extension cords, as their high power demands can easily overload a circuit. Make it a consistent habit to unplug space heaters after every use to ensure your home remains warm and safe.
4. Microwaves
Microwaves are infamous for consuming standby power, often just to keep the digital clock glowing. Internally, some circuits stay active so the appliance can instantly respond when you press a button.
This seemingly harmless feature adds up both in cost and in potential safety hazards. If there’s food residue or grease buildup inside, it can ignite during a malfunction—particularly in older microwaves with worn-out parts. Items stored nearby—like cookbooks or paper towels—can also catch fire in the event of a short circuit. By unplugging the microwave when you’re not using it, you’ll not only reduce phantom energy consumption but also help prevent accidental fires. It’s also a good opportunity to give the microwave interior a quick wipe-down to keep it clean.
5. Air Fryers
Air fryers have earned their place as a modern kitchen favorite, but they can also be risky if left plugged in. Like other appliances with heating elements, air fryers can be a potential fire hazard if something goes wrong internally. Some models continue to draw a small amount of electricity even when not in use.
If an internal component fails, it could lead to overheating or sparking. Since air fryers are often stored near oil, parchment paper, or kitchen towels, any spark could cause a dangerous fire. To keep things safe, make it a habit to unplug your air fryer after each use—and take a moment to clean any buildup that could contribute to future problems.
Extra Tips for Home Safety
Unplugging appliances is only one step in protecting your home from electrical hazards. Regularly inspect cords and plugs for signs of wear, such as fraying, discoloration, or damage—replace them right away if needed. Avoid plugging too many high-power appliances into the same outlet or power strip, especially devices that generate heat like space heaters or toasters. Surge protectors are excellent for guarding sensitive electronics during thunderstorms.
Make sure you have working smoke detectors installed in key areas and test them monthly, replacing the batteries at least twice a year. Keep anything flammable away from heat-producing devices, and teach children which appliances should always be off-limits. Storing appliance manuals in a convenient spot is a smart move, so you can quickly check them for maintenance or safety guidelines whenever needed.
Simple Ways to Lower Your Electricity Bills
Cutting down on energy usage doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by switching to LED bulbs, which use far less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Adjust your thermostat up or down by a few degrees depending on the season to ease the strain on your heating or cooling system. Wash your clothes in cold water and wait until you have a full load before starting the machine to save both water and energy. Keep your fridge set between 37°F and 40°F to maintain efficiency without unnecessary power use.
Ceiling fans help circulate air, reducing the need for air conditioning in warmer months. Smart power strips are another great investment—they automatically cut power to devices when they’re not in use. Lastly, unplug chargers and small electronics as soon as they’re done charging—these continue to draw energy even when disconnected from your device.
Conclusion
Taking the time to unplug household appliances is a simple yet powerful way to improve safety, save money, and extend the life of your gadgets. From toasters and coffee makers to space heaters and microwaves, these devices quietly drain energy and can pose fire hazards if left plugged in. By making unplugging a habit, you’re reducing unnecessary energy consumption and minimizing electrical dangers.
Combine this with other smart practices—like checking cords, using surge protectors, and maintaining smoke detectors—and you’ll create a safer, more energy-efficient home. It may start as a small change, but over time, it becomes second nature—and your wallet (and future self) will be grateful.