Most people assume that turning an appliance off means it stops using electricity — but many devices keep drawing small amounts of power even when they’re not in use. This “vampire power” or standby energy quietly drains electricity to keep clocks running, systems ready, and chargers warm, even with nothing plugged into them. One device isn’t a big deal, but a whole house full of them can add up to nearly 10% of your power bill.
Unplugging helps because it cuts off that hidden drain completely. You don’t need to unplug everything — refrigerators and essential electronics should stay on — but small kitchen gadgets, chargers, game consoles, and TVs can easily be unplugged when you’re not using them. Doing so lowers your bill, reduces fire risk from aging cords and cheap chargers, and can even extend appliance life.
If unplugging each item feels tedious, using power strips or smart plugs makes it much easier. With one switch, you can shut off an entire group of devices.
So yes, unplugging appliances does save electricity. The savings build quietly over time, and the peace of mind starts the moment you pull the plug.