Whether you’re going away for a day or for a long period of time, some electrical appliances continue to use energy unnecessarily, increasing your bills and posing a risk to your safety. Find out why unplugging a particular appliance is crucial to saving energy and keeping you safe.
A simple way to reduce your electricity bill
With energy prices rising, it is essential to adopt economical behaviours to reduce your expenses. Many pieces of equipment remain on standby, resulting in unnecessary electricity consumption. Among the most greedy, we can mention:
- Phone chargers left plugged in
- Televisions and consoles in standby mode
- Coffee makers and other small appliances
- Computers and printers
The main culprit? The phone charger! Even without a connected phone, it continues to draw power. This phantom consumption may seem small, but over the course of a year, it represents several dollars wasted unnecessarily.
Tip: Opt for a power strip with a switch to easily turn off all your devices with a single gesture.
Unplug to prevent electrical hazards
Beyond energy savings, leaving a device plugged in can be a risk. A phone charger left in an outlet can overheat, increasing the risk of fire, especially if the electrical installation is old or defective.
Specialists recommend having your electrical installation checked regularly to avoid any incidents and reduce the risk of domestic accidents.
And what to do with the refrigerator, should it be unplugged?
The question often arises before going on holiday: is it necessary to unplug your fridge?
- If you’re going to be away for a few days and your fridge still has food in it, leave it running. To reduce its consumption, adjust the temperature slightly before leaving.
- If you’re going away for several weeks, empty it completely, defrost it, and unplug it. Leave the door open to prevent mold and bad odors from forming.
One simple gesture, many advantages
Adopting the reflex of unplugging unused appliances is an easy and effective solution to:
- Reduce your energy consumption
- Lower your electricity bill
- Prevent electrical hazards and extend the life of your equipment
So, before you leave your home, check your sockets one last time… and adopt this clever habit on a daily basis.
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