Devices You Shouldn't Unplug: It's Only an Illusion of Saving, and You'll End Up Paying More

Which devices should you avoid unplugging? It turns out that for some appliances, turning them off at the socket is just a false economy. The bills won't drop, and you could end up damaging them, leading to repair costs.
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Fot. Adam Stępień / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Some devices should always stay connected to power. Even though, in times of high energy prices, many people are looking for ways to save a few dollars, there are some devices that should not be unplugged. So, which ones are we talking about?

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Rachunki za prąd wzrosną (zdjęcie ilustracyjne)Fot. Dominik Sadowski / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

Which Devices Shouldn't Be Unplugged? Here Are the Devices That Should Stay Plugged In

Dishwashers, TVs, refrigerators, gaming consoles, phones, routers, and washing machines are just a few of the devices most people have in their homes. While some of these devices can be safely unplugged when not in use, others should stay connected. Unplugging them might not only increase your energy bills but also reduce their lifespan.

Here’s a list of devices you should avoid unplugging:

  • OLED TVs: These are equipped with a background image-refresh function. If you unplug them, the refresh process won’t work, leading to potential pixel burn-in.
  • Inkjet printers: Every time they’re reconnected, the printer undergoes a self-cleaning process that uses more energy, leading to higher bills.
  • Refrigerators: Disconnecting the power source will cause food to spoil or start defrosting quickly.
  • Routers: Unplugging them will require reconfiguration each time they’re powered back on.

Does Standby Mode Use Energy? Many People Are Mistaken, and Their Bills Are Rising

Some devices have what’s known as a "standby mode," which allows them to be turned back on quickly even when they’re "off." It might seem like they’re not consuming power in this mode, but that's not the case. Devices in standby mode are still drawing energy 24/7, which can lead to higher energy bills. Standby mode is commonly found in microwaves, decoders, gaming consoles, and subwoofers.