Safety experts speaking to Good Housekeeping have urged householders to unplug five specific household electrical devices every night to prevent fire hazards and reduce electricity bills.
While most people routinely turn off lights and lock their front doors before going to sleep, few disconnect household electronics. Experts emphasized that fire safety is the primary reason for unplugging devices, though the practice also eliminates vampire power, which is electricity drawn by electronics while turned off.
Good Housekeeping, a long-established consumer advice publication, highlighted guidance from safety testing specialists. Standby power loss occurs in many modern appliances, silently increasing household energy expenses overnight.
Heating appliances and fire hazards
Space heaters present a particular risk ahead of cold weather. Experts advised that heaters should only operate when a person is inside the room and awake, noting that simply switching off the unit before sleep is insufficient.
Joel Hawk, an engineer at UL Solutions, stated that safety instructions typically direct users to unplug heaters equipped with a plug and cord when not in use or when leaving the immediate area for prolonged periods. Hawk explained that a short circuit, voltage surge, or mechanical defect can trigger a fire in the plug or inside the appliance.
UL Solutions is an international safety science organization that conducts safety testing and establishes standards for electrical equipment worldwide.
Battery chargers and kitchen electronics
Lithium-ion batteries used to power electric bicycles and cordless power tools have emerged as a primary cause of residential fires. Many fires break out when batteries are left connected to plugged-in chargers after reaching capacity, causing the battery to overheat to the point of ignition. Experts stressed that chargers must be unplugged as soon as charging completes.
Small kitchen appliances should also be disconnected when idle, particularly heat-generating items such as air fryers, toasters, and coffee makers. Experts also urged residents to keep countertop appliances clean, as accumulated grease and crumbs raise the risk of fire and smoke.
Entertainment systems and styling tools
While fire reports involving Xbox and Nintendo Switch consoles are uncommon, gaming consoles rank among the largest sources of vampire energy in homes. Unplugging consoles can produce noticeable financial savings.
For consoles integrated into home entertainment setups alongside televisions and audio speakers, experts recommended plugging all components into a power strip featuring surge protection. This configuration enables householders to shut off power to every device with a single switch.
Hair dryers and other hair styling tools generate intense heat and should also be unplugged after evening use. People who shower before bed frequently dry their hair at night, leaving hot appliances plugged into bathroom or bedroom outlets.
Other household appliances, such as water heaters, run continuously throughout the day and consume substantial amounts of electricity, although experts noted that this consumption can be managed and reduced.
