Unplugging Appliances to Save Electricity? Experts Warn: 7 Devices You Should Never Unplug — It Costs More and Damages Equipment

Many people habitually unplug household appliances when not in use to save on electricity bills. However, this seemingly thrifty practice may silently harm both your appliances and your wallet.

According to U.S. electrical technology expert Tim Hodnicki and research data from Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), modern large and smart appliances are designed with standby operation integrated into their overall protection systems. These devices consume minimal power in standby mode, yet perform critical tasks such as maintaining system settings, conducting internal maintenance, and running diagnostics.

Frequently cutting power forcibly interrupts these factory-designed protective functions. When the appliance restarts, it may consume significantly more electricity to reboot—sometimes several times more than standby consumption. This surge can stress delicate internal components, accelerating wear and shortening the device’s lifespan.

Experts do note, however, that simple small appliances without memory or settings—such as toasters, coffee makers, hair dryers, and electric heaters—lack complex standby maintenance systems. For these, unplugging after each use is recommended to reduce the risk of electrical short circuits or fire hazards.

Which appliances suffer when unplugged? Experts highlight seven categories that should generally remain powered:

1. Refrigerators Refrigerators top the list of appliances that should never be unplugged casually. Cutting power causes internal temperatures to rise rapidly, promoting food spoilage and bacterial growth. When power is restored, the compressor must work at full capacity to cool down, a process that is extremely power-intensive and increases mechanical wear.

2. Washing Machines and Dryers These high-power appliances have tightly designed plug and socket connections. Frequent unplugging wears down metal contacts and socket springs, leading to poor contact, overheating, or even fire. Additionally, modern smart models use built-in diagnostic systems to log faults—power loss may erase critical data.

3. Wi-Fi Routers and Modems Network devices require stable 24/7 power to maintain seamless connectivity. Frequent power cycling stresses the power transformer, shortens device lifespan, and may reset network configurations, requiring time-consuming re-setup.

4. Dishwashers Newer dishwashers consume negligible standby power. Their electronic panels require a small continuous power supply to maintain clock settings and pre-programmed wash cycles. Unplugging forces users to reset these each time, and may disrupt self-diagnostic functions.

5. Built-in Ovens and Induction Cooktops These high-current kitchen appliances are designed for permanent or dedicated high-power outlets. Repeatedly unplugging large, heavy-duty plugs is inconvenient and risky—improper handling can generate sparks. Power should instead be controlled via the appliance’s panel switch.

6. Storage or Instant Water Heaters Water heaters maintain stable temperatures through intermittent heating. Frequently cutting power causes wide temperature fluctuations. Reheating cold water from scratch demands high power, increasing electricity consumption and accelerating wear on heating elements.

7. Certain Smart TVs and Inkjet Printers Many smart devices run maintenance routines in standby. For example, OLED TVs automatically refresh pixels after shutdown to prevent burn-in—unplugging interrupts this protection. Inkjet printers periodically clean nozzles during standby to prevent ink drying and clogging. Random power cuts may lead to costly repairs later.