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The everyday appliances secretly hiking your electricity bill

Unplugging appliances is an important and easy energy-saving practice. Some of the appliances we use daily need to be unplugged after every use, as they can be a fire hazard.

Even if the appliance is switched to the ‘off’ position, it still takes in a small amount of electricity when plugged into the outlet.  Therefore, remembering to unplug appliances is a safety and energy-saving practice to learn and adopt. Here are some household appliances you should remember to unplug after use.

All chargers

Chargers are used every day for phones, laptops, and other essentials. Although it may seem as if chargers do not take up energy when they are plugged into the socket after use. Unplugging chargers after use is important to protect the charger’s longevity as they can overheat when plugged in too long.

Washer and dryer

Bigger home appliances, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers need to be unplugged after they are done being used. These appliances are connected to water; therefore, checking and switching off the water system connected to them is essential too.

Countertop appliances

Toasters are one of the biggest fire hazards in the kitchen, but they’re not the only thing that should be unplugged when not in use. Countertop appliances like toasters and coffee makers need to be switched off, cooled down, and cleaned after every use. Base bottom kettle plugs are often left in the socket after use. It is advised that kettles be unplugged after every use.

Unplugging appliances after use is a beneficial daily habit for the longevity of your appliances, energy saving, and reducing your carbon footprint. Unplugging appliances may seem like a small habit, but it makes a big difference in reducing energy consumption, preventing fire risks, and extending the lifespan of your devices.

Compiled by: Thimna Matika 

First published on Garden & Home

Also see: Create a coffee bar that vibes as good as it brews

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