Does Unplugging Appliances Really Save Electricity? A Look at “Vampire Power”

Important Note: Don’t Unplug Everything!

Before you start “yanking every cord in sight,” it’s important to know that you should not unplug certain appliances. Safety and convenience are key.

• Refrigerator and Freezer: Do not unplug these unless you are moving or will be away for a very long time. Unplugging them will lead to spoiled food and a very messy cleanup. “Unless you want a smelly kitchen and destroyed groceries,” leave them alone.
• Medical Devices: Any devices that are critical for health, such as oxygen machines or CPAP machines, must “maintain them safe and powered” at all times.
• Wi-Fi Router: While you could set a schedule to turn this off at night, it’s often best to leave it on if you rely on it for work or other activities.
• Security Systems and Baby Monitors: These are important for safety and should not be unplugged. “Safety first.”
• Modem or Router (if you have smart home devices): Many smart home devices rely on a constant connection to the internet, so you should leave these plugged in.

Also, keep in mind that some devices, like a cable box, “take forever to reboot.” You should “weigh convenience vs. savings” before you decide to unplug something.

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