Has your utility bill for this month stressed you due to the high amount? You might not be alone in this dreadful situation. While there's nothing you can do to resolve the issue, you surely can avoid this from happening the next month just by unplugging a few devices. Let's have a look:
1. Television and Home Entertainment System
While you might think that simply switching off the television and home entertainment system is enough, the reality is something else. These devices can consume power even when not in use, and this phenomenon is commonly regarded as phantom load. You can use a power strip to disconnect multiple systems at once and notice a drastic change in bills.
2. Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances, such as microwaves, coffee makers, and blenders, can contribute to the phantom load if they are kept plugged in. Their digital clocks or standby lights use electricity, adding to your utility bill. The same goes for larger devices like dishwashers and electric ovens. However, it can be challenging to unplug them frequently, so do so occasionally.
3. Home Office Equipment
If you work from home, devices like printers, fax machines, scanners, or desktop computers might be the major cause behind high electricity bills. They continue to take up energy even if you leave them in standby mode. So, do not forget to unplug them, as this action would lead to significant savings.
4. Smart Speakers and Home Assistants
Having Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple Homepod at your home can also contribute to the utility bills. Although these technological products offer convenience, they may cost you several bucks each month. To avoid extra expenses, always unplug them when not required. If you want to avoid doing so, it's a good idea to use smart plugs that you can control remotely.
5. WiFi Routers and Modems
Of course, WiFi routers or modems are a necessity in today's digital age. But since they are left on for 24 hours a day, they can consume a lot of power. So, when you are not using the internet, typically during nighttime, unplug them. For added convenience, you can buy modern routers that feature automatic turn-off capabilities for specific durations.
6. Video Game Consoles
Video game consoles tend to use a lot of energy not only when you are actively using them but also when left plugged in. These could either be PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo System, or any other device that you prefer to use. The reason behind this energy consumption is that they remain in standby mode even after you switch them off.
7. Chargers
There is a common misconception that chargers only consume energy when you have any device like a phone, tablet, or laptop plugged in. However, that's not the case, as they keep drawing power unless you finally unplug them. Make it a habit to remove the charger from the outlet whenever you don't have to charge any device.
8. Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are quite useful for purifying the air we breathe in. However, their major drawback is a significant contribution to the utility bill if you keep them plugged in continuously. Many such devices now come with auto shut-off features, so when air quality is good, they turn off the device. However, for a significant drop in electricity bills, you must plug them off yourself.
9. Chargers for Electric Toothbrushes
Many people subconsciously leave their electric toothbrushes on their charging stands after brushing their teeth. They then forget to remove them until the next day, and the cycle continues. Even when fully charged, the toothbrush would keep drawing power, contributing unnecessarily to the utility bill. Thus, make it a habit only to reconnect the charger when the battery of your toothbrush is low and remove it once it gets fully charged.
10. Portable Heaters
Portable heaters are winter's gems. However, these useful devices can be major energy consumers if you forget to remove their plug from the outlet when they are not in use. It's also a wise idea to invest in models that come with timers or thermostats. This means the device will automatically turn off when the room reaches the desired temperature.
11. Cordless Vacuum Cleaners
Cordless vacuum cleaners work like magic for quick and convenient cleaning. But did you know about the high power-consuming tendencies of their power docks? When charging them, make sure to remove the plug once the battery is full, or else get ready to be shocked by the sky-rocketed electricity bills.
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12. Refrigerators
Here, we are not talking about the refrigerators you have in your home for daily use, as it's not technically possible to plug them off. But you can definitely do that for those in garages or those placed for secondary usage. These are often old models and not very energy-efficient, so there might be an increased energy consumption.
13. Lawn Equipment
If you have a lawn at your home, you will likely own and use tools like lawnmowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers. These typically remain plugged in their charging stations when not in use, another major reason behind hidden electricity usage. So, remove their plugs, or you can even consider using manual tools to see a huge drop in utility bills.
14. Heating Pads
Electric heating pads are commonly found in many households and are typically used in colder months to reduce pain and inflammation. While their direct energy usage is not that high, forgetting to unplug them can be a problem. Thus, remove the plug of these devices when you get out of bed or no longer need the heat.
15. Bug Zappers
Bug zappers are also commonly used in homes to control insects. However, if you leave them continuously on or forget to remove their plug, they can consume significant energy. It's wise to unplug them when not required, or you can also use alternative methods like natural repellents to save money on bills.
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