- Refrigerator and Freezer: Do not unplug these unless you are moving or will be away for a very long time. Unplugging them will lead to spoiled food and a very messy cleanup. “Unless you want a smelly kitchen and destroyed groceries,” leave them alone.
- Medical Devices: Any devices that are critical for health, such as oxygen machines or CPAP machines, must “maintain them safe and powered” at all times.
- Wi-Fi Router: While you could set a schedule to turn this off at night, it’s often best to leave it on if you rely on it for work or other activities.
- Security Systems and Baby Monitors: These are important for safety and should not be unplugged. “Safety first.”
- Modem or Router (if you have smart home devices): Many smart home devices rely on a constant connection to the internet, so you should leave these plugged in.
Also, keep in mind that some devices, like a cable box, “take forever to reboot.” You should “weigh convenience vs. savings” before you decide to unplug something.
Clever and Simple Ways to Stop the Energy Drain
You don’t have to become an expert at unplugging everything. There are smart and easy ways to reduce your energy use without a lot of effort. “You don’t need to become an outlet ninja. Just get clever.”
- Use Smart Power Strips: These are a great solution for an entertainment center or computer desk. They can “cut power to ‘slave’ devices when the major one stopping operation.” For example, if you turn off your TV, the strip will “kill power to [the] soundbar, game console, [and] streaming box.”
- Group Devices on One Strip: A simple power strip can be a very helpful tool. You can plug all your kitchen appliances, like the coffee maker, toaster, and blender, into one strip and simply flip the switch to turn them all off at night. The same can be done for all the electronics in your entertainment center.
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