Unplug These 20 Items That Hike Up Your Electricity Bill

Joel AndersonSun, March 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC

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Certain items in your home still suck power even after they’re turned “off” — and that’s a major issue. Devices like your computer, video game consoles, instant-on TVs, surround sound systems or even phone chargers are guilty of this. For that matter, anything with a built-in digital clock is pulling a little juice. Here’s a stifling stat: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of energy use comes from when the appliance is turned off. Energy vampires can cost you an extra $250 or more a year. With that in mind, here are several items you should consider unplugging when not in use to help lower your utility bills.

Hot Water Recirculation Pump -

Average Wattage: 28 to 92

Cost per Year: $42 to $137

Plug your hot water recirculation pump into a timer and program it to switch the pump off when no one is typically using hot water, like in the middle of the night.

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Audio/Visual Gear -

Average Wattage: 100 to 200

Cost per Year: $150 or more

Audio devices like amplifiers, stereos, boom boxes and internet radio receivers are easy enough to unplug when not in use. This simple act can save you $150 a year or more.

Fans -

Average Wattage: 33

Cost per Year: $50

Unplug fans when not in use, and switch to a fan with a timer so that it doesn’t stay on all night while you sleep.

24/7 Lights -

Average Wattage: 60

Cost per Year: $89

There’s no need to keep a light on when you are not using it. Switch off lights when not in use or put them on a timer so that they shut off automatically. Additionally, LED light bulbs use considerably less energy: 10 watts vs. 60.

Television -

Average Wattage: 5 to 150

Cost per Year: $4 to $112

If you leave your TV on 24/7, you’ll spend an average of $223 per year powering it. Unplug any TVs you don’t regularly use, such as one in a guest bedroom. You should also adjust the power setting on your TV. Consider disabling your TV’s “quick start” setting to save on energy.

Aquarium -

Average Wattage: 63

Cost per Year: $94

The main culprit of energy usage in your aquarium is the heater. Although you might not be able to unplug it depending on the optimum temperature for your fish, consider insulating the tank and placing it in a well-heated room to cut heating costs. If you have an aquarium light, unplug it when not in use.

Desktop Computer -

Average Wattage: 60 to 300

Cost per Year: $89 or more

Your computer doesn’t draw a ton of power, even when it’s on, with a typical desktop costing you about a penny an hour. However, even pennies can add up. Plug your computer, monitor, printer, computer speakers and other computer accessories into a single power strip that can be turned off when not in use. Let your computer go to sleep after a maximum of 30 minutes of inactivity and turn your computer off whenever you’ve finished using it.

Modem -

Average Wattage: 10

Cost per Year: $15

Unplug your modem before going to bed. You don’t need internet access when you’re asleep.

Cellphone Chargers -

Average Wattage: 5

Cost per Year: $8

Leaving that charger plugged into an outlet all day still uses 0.1 to 0.5 watts per hour. That is also not a lot, but it’s pure waste. If you have a charger plugged in 24/7, you’re costing yourself.

Video Game System -

Average Wattage: 90

Cost per Year: $22 or more

Video game consoles are another common energy vampire. These devices often remain connected to the network even when they are not in use and are set to be in default “instant on” mode — a mode that was disabled in Europe due to the E.U.’s standby energy standards. Unplug your game consoles when not in use and disable the “instant on” mode if you don’t need it.

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Laptop Computer -

Average Wattage: 30 to 200

Cost per Year: $15

Most laptop cords have a “brick,” a large box that uses energy continuously whenever it’s plugged in. They use about two watts per hour in sleep mode. Simply shutting your laptop or turning it off won’t stop it from using energy. Unplug the cord from the wall every time you’re not using your laptop to ensure it’s not draining energy you aren’t even using.

Space Heater -

Average Wattage: 1,500

Cost per Hour: $0.25

Rather than using a space heater to keep a space warm, address the underlying issue. You might need additional insulation in the room you’re trying to heat, or you might be able to block drafts by sealing around doors and windows. And, as always, a sweater or a blanket should be your go-to zero-cost way to warm up. If you use a space heater, be sure to unplug it when not in use and set it on a timer to turn off when you are sleeping.

Hair Dryer -

Average Wattage: 1,500 to 2,000

Cost per Year: $47

You can reduce your costs by reducing usage or letting your hair air dry first — and then using the dryer just for styling. Using the low setting instead of high will reduce your energy usage as well. It’s also an easy enough tool to keep unplugged when you’re not using it.

Electric Range -

Average Wattage: 1,000 to 3,000

Cost per Hour: $0.17

Your electric range uses about 1.9 kW per hour, but that will vary widely depending on how many burners you’re using and at what intensity. Either way, even if you’re cooking for three hours a day every day, you’re still spending about $29 a month on energy for your stove.

Ceiling Fan -

Average Wattage: 75

Cost per Year: $37

One great tip in climates with cooler nights is to turn on your ceiling fans in the evening while keeping your windows open. The fans can draw in cool air all evening that will help keep the home cool into the next day. You can keep ceiling fans unplugged during cooler months, or if it’s hardwired, be sure to keep it turned off.

Incandescent Light Bulb -

Average Wattage: 60

Cost per Year: $7.44

A 60-watt incandescent light bulb uses 60 watts of power an hour. However, the better question might be, “Why are you still using incandescent bulbs?” Using newer CFL bulbs will save you a lot in the long run — both on your energy bill and on your trips to the hardware store. Compared to a 60-watt incandescent bulb, a 15-watt CFL bulb uses a quarter of the energy and lasts 10 times as long while a 12W LED light uses as little as one-fifth as much energy and lasts 25 times as long.

Dishwasher -

Average Wattage: 1,800

Cost per Year: $330

Even if you don’t keep your dishwasher unplugged when not in use, there are ways to reduce its energy costs. Running your dishwasher only when it is full will help you save energy, as will finding opportunities to hand-wash dishes when there aren’t enough to warrant running the dishwasher. Household appliances are becoming more efficient all the time, so look for the most efficient model when it’s time to replace your refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry pair or other appliance. Replacing an old appliance, even if it’s still working, may make economic sense if the energy savings are there.

Coffee Maker -

Average Wattage: 1,300

Cost per Hour: $0.22

Your coffee maker requires a lot of energy while in use, so it’s best to keep it unplugged when it isn’t. If you have an instant coffee maker, keep it plugged into a timer to save on its standby energy load costs.

Microwave -

Average Wattage: 800 to 1,000

Cost per Hour: $0.14

It’s no surprise that a microwave oven uses a lot of energy when you’re heating up an entire meal in a matter of minutes, but it also uses energy when it’s not working. All appliances with a clock use idle energy, and a microwave is no exception. Chances are you can easily see the time on your watch or mobile phone when you’re in the kitchen, so there’s no need to have your microwave plugged in 24/7.

Laser Printer -

Average Wattage: 250

Cost per Hour: $0.04

Your laser printer is probably in standby mode more than it’s actually in use, so it can be easy to overlook this energy vampire. Simply unplug your printer when you’re not using it.

Cynthia Measom, Sam DiSalvo and Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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