Eight Devices Worth Disconnecting When They're Idle
Revised Article:
Hey there! While you're all set with the big stuff before venturing out, don't forget about the lesser-known areas demanding your attention, such as your smaller appliances. These unsung heroes can cause a real ruckus if left plugged in, potentially leading to a house fire. So, here are eight appliances you should never leaving charging or switched on when not in use.
Countertop Kitchen Appliances
Skip a beat if you thought countertop kitchen appliances, like toaster ovens, air fryers, Instant Pots, or slow cookers, were safe to leave plugged in. These devices pack plenty of heat and are prone to electrical malfunctions, so it's best to unplug them whenever they're idle.
Hair Styling Tools
You know your hair dryer and high heat styling tools are designed for use, but did you know that they can pose a fire threat? Overheating and faulty cords are common culprits, especially if the gadget's internal wiring is damaged. To stay safe, unplug these tools once you're done using them.
Space Heaters and Electric Blankets
Small heaters like space heaters or electric blankets should always be unplugged as soon as they're off or before you leave. They can still cause a potential fire even if they're turned off because of electrical malfunctions. And remember, these heaters can overheat if left plugged in, so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Chargers
Admit it; you're guilty of leaving your phone charger plugged in once or twice. But did you know that keeping chargers plugged in can increase your energy bill and pose a fire hazard? Not only that, but unplugging them can help save your electricity usage, as chargers still draw power even when the device isn't connected.
Power Strips
Power strips are a lifesaver when you need extra outlets, but they're infamous for overheating, overcharging, and causing electrical fires. To avoid these complications, stick to using power strips cautiously by only plugging in a few devices at once and unplugging them once you're done using them.
Electric Kettles
After enjoying your tea or coffee, don't forget to unplug your electric kettle. Due to the high heat generated, electric kettles are prone to overheating if left plugged in, which can lead to malfunctions that spark fires.
Candle Warmers
Candle warmers should be unplugged whenever they're not in use to prevent potential fires, save energy, and preserve the warmer's overall function. Candle warmers that are left plugged in can also draw too much power, incurring additional charges on your energy bill.
Electronics
Unplugging your TV, DVD players, computers, and other electronics might seem tedious, but it's worth the effort. Leaving these devices plugged in doesn't pose a significant short-circuit fire risk, but it's still there, albeit slight. And more importantly, unplugging these electronics helps reduce your energy usage by preventing them from drawing power when they're not in use.
Now that you're aware of these potential hazards, don't let them catch you off guard. Stay safe, and happy unplugging!
9 Things To Always Unplug Before A Storm
During storms, it's crucial to unplug sensitive and high-power appliances to minimize the risk of fires and protect your home. Here are nine appliances you should always unplug during a storm:
- Air conditioners
- Electric blankets
- Televisions
- Computers
- Microwaves
- Fridges and freezers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Oven stoves
- Iron
These devices are either sensitive to water damage or draw a significant amount of power, which can cause electrical surges during storms. Additionally, any leaking water from appliances or pipes can cause short circuits, potentially sparking fires. Unplugging these appliances helps reduce the risk of property damage and misfortunes during stormy weather.
- Southern Living recommends unplugging appliances like toaster ovens, air fryers, and Instant Pots when not in use for safety reasons.
- To ensure a fire-safe lifestyle, Aussiedlerbote advises unplugging electronics such as TVs, DVD players, and computers to reduce the risk of short-circuits.
- When you're not using your home-and-garden appliances like space heaters, candles warmers, or electric kettles, it's wise to unplug them to prevent potential fires and save energy.
- Maintaining a handsome credit line requires mindfulness of your energy consumption, so unplugging appliances like chargers and power strips can help save energy and lower your energy bill.
