Does it save energy to unplug things that aren't in use?

Question

Say I have a toaster that I only use occasionally - if I unplug it between uses is that saving energy? What about lamps and radios and other things that I'd normally leave plugged in.

Answer 1

i think so , if you have something plugged up it is still  useing a tiny bit of energy, so if your not using it a few days unplug it, if you dont need a light during the day open some windows, i always unplug electrical appl. when im not useing them. lamps i keep plugged up because i use them at night. like washer and dryer, i keep plugged up because when you plug it in , now a coffee pot it actually pulls a lot of energy thab most things in your house, so i would unplug it.

Answer 2

YES. 100%

they still use energy even though they are turned off.

Answer 3

Its getting to be that way more and more with smart TVs and computers.  And anything that uses a black cube plugged into the wall.  The easy way to accomplish what you refer to is with a power strip.  With old tech stuff like lamps and toasters it doesn't matter.  Clock radios aren't too bad so I would leave them on of course.

Answer 4

Not all devices save energy by being unplugged. If you want to know, get an amperage meter that you plug into the wall and plug the appliance into it.

Milliamps do add up, but slowly.

Even the wiring in your wall does use some power, and if you want to cut to a minimum you shut the circuit off at the panel. But panel switches should not be flipped under load.

Now some of our more obvious power waster is the ac-adapter plugged in all the time. Or uninterupted power supplies when not in use?

(When you power your telephone and clock on the  ups unit it is always in use.)

Answer 5

yes. every bit helps. altho if ur just turning it off for a little bit, u mite not want 2 because it takes alot of electricity 2 turn things on. i think of electricity like phones. u pay alot for the 1st min or so, but after that its not that much. hope this helps!:)

Answer 6

Yes, things like a stereo, your toaster, etc. It's always good, and it's a minimal amount of work.

Answer 7

Yes, it does not take as much but that appliance uses on average 5% to 20% of energy

Answer 8

YES!!! Especially Computers and devices with LED lights or clocks. Just turning them off, (or in sleep) doesn't eliminate all energy usage, led lights can use alot of power over time.

Answer 9

every little bit helps, however doing something like turning a light off if you are leaving for 2 seconds to grab something, will waste more power, because it takes quite a boost of electricity to turn the light back on

Answer 10

Yes.

Answer 11

Yes!!

It's estimated that "vampire" energy or hidden loads add up to as much as one months worth of electricty for each household every year!!

For me that's about $40 in electricity!

See the link below for more info..........

Answer 12

Well yes if it has a memory or you can program it it uses power even if turned off. so unplug. IT saves MONEY.