Does Unplugging Appliances Really Save Electricity? Energy Administration Warns: 'Never Unplug These 3 Devices' – 9 Appliances Keep Burning Power Even When Off

With rising electricity costs, many people have developed the habit of unplugging household appliances when not in use, hoping to save on bills. But does this common practice actually save energy? The regulatory authority has provided a clear answer.

Does Unplugging Save Electricity?

According to the official website of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs' Energy Administration, the key to saving electricity lies in whether an appliance has 'standby power.' Devices that continue to consume electricity after being turned off—such as TVs with a small red light, microwaves with a clock display, DVD players, audio systems, washing machines, computers, monitors, air conditioners with temperature displays, or appliances controllable via remote—can indeed reduce power waste when unplugged.

On the other hand, appliances like hair dryers, which do not have standby power, do not consume electricity when left plugged in, so there's no need to unplug them after each use.

Which Appliances Are Hidden Energy Hogs?

How much impact does standby power have on household electricity bills? According to testing by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the annual standby power consumption of common appliances is significant. A washing machine consumes about 35.5 kWh per year, a microwave 33.2 kWh, a TV 26.3 kWh, and a desktop computer 25.8 kWh.

At an electricity rate of NT$2.59 per kWh, a single appliance can cost households an extra NT$66.81 to NT$91.9 annually. By cutting power to these appliances during long periods of inactivity, households can save nearly NT$100 per year.

Not All Appliances Should Be Unplugged! Refrigerators and Bidet Toilets Must Not Be Disconnected Long-Term

While unplugging can reduce standby power, it's not suitable for all appliances. Refrigerators require 24-hour operation and must not be unplugged. Similarly, bidet toilets, gas water heaters, and home intercom systems need to remain in standby mode to function properly.

Additionally, some air conditioners may suffer from degraded lubricant conditions in the compressor if completely powered off for extended periods. If not re-energized for over a year, the equipment's lifespan could be affected. Therefore, even during long-term non-use, it's recommended to periodically restore power for a period.

Are There Side Effects to Unplugging? Timer and Memory Settings May Reset

Frequent unplugging may not only affect equipment maintenance but also cause certain functions to fail. For example, TVs and recording devices may require re-setting of clocks, scheduled recordings, and timer functions after a complete power loss. Some smart appliances may also need to reconnect or reconfigure network settings.

Therefore, when deciding whether to unplug an appliance, consider not only energy savings but also the impact on daily convenience.

The Right Way to Save Power During Long Absences

An International Energy Agency (IEA) study also found that standby power accounts for 3% to 11% of total household electricity consumption in advanced countries due to devices not being unplugged. The Ministry of Economic Affairs recommends that, aside from essential 24-hour appliances like water dispensers and refrigerators, households should turn off or unplug appliances with standby power when going on extended trips or during prolonged non-use. This effectively prevents energy waste and reduces monthly electricity bills.