Save Money This Fall by Cutting Down on Energy Costs
Fall means cooler weather and a few more hours spent indoors. But it can also bring a higher electricity bill if you’re not paying attention to the little things. Believe it or not, a lot of everyday appliances keep pulling power even when you’re not using them. Here are 15 of the biggest culprits.
Microwave
Microwaves don’t just sit there quietly. The digital clock and standby functions draw a surprising amount of power. You might not notice it on a daily basis, but over weeks and months, it makes a difference. If you’re not planning to use it for a few days, just unplug it.
Coffee Maker
Your morning coffee could be costing you more than you know. Most coffee machines have clocks, warming plates, or internal sensors that use up energy and cost you money. Unplugging it after use saves a few bucks over the season… and all those little savings add up as years pass.
Toaster
Almost everyone has a toaster, but they can be sneaky when it comes to energy use. Even when not actively doing anything, it’s drawing standby power. And let’s be honest, most of us don’t use it enough each day to justify leaving it plugged in 24/7. Pull the plug and you’ll save money.
Space Heater
Space heaters are needed in the winter, but unfortunately they’re real power hogs - even when “off” but still plugged in. They can quietly sip electricity in standby mode, not to mention be a fire hazard if forgotten about. If you’re done using one for the day, unplugging it entirely is a very smart move.
Electric Kettle
As you may know, boiling water takes a lot of energy, but the real culprit here is standby power. Many kettles keep sensors or lights running even when idle. Unless you’re obsessed with tea to the extent it would stun your average Briton, it’s best to unplug it after each use.
Phone Chargers
We all leave chargers plugged in, but they draw “vampire power” even without a phone attached. It’s small on its own, sure - but multiply that by a few chargers in different outlets and the numbers add up. This fall, make it a habit to unplug chargers when not in use.
Laptop Chargers
Laptop chargers are another sneaky culprit when it comes to energy bills. Even if your laptop isn’t connected, the adapter keeps pulling power. Worse, leaving it constantly plugged in can stress the charger itself, shortening its lifespan.
Games Consoles
Even when switched “off,” modern game consoles run background updates that eat up tons of energy. If you’re not gaming every day, unplugging the console when not in use can help your energy bill. Think of it as a side quest!
Televisions
Modern TVs never really turn off. They go into standby, waiting for that remote click. While convenient, it costs you money in the long run. If you’re not watching regularly or you’re heading out for a trip, unplugging the TV is an easy way to cut back your energy bill.
Pool Pumps
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, bear in mind that the pump is one of the biggest electricity hogs on your property. Even when it’s not actively running, leaving it plugged in can draw standby power. As the weather cools down in the fall and you’re using the pool less, it’s smart to unplug it or put it on a timer.
Cable Boxes and Streaming Devices
These are some of the biggest energy vampires in the house. They’re designed to stay connected to download updates - which means they never fully power down. Unplugging overnight or when you’re away can save a surprising chunk of money.
Washers and Dryers
These big machines pull small amounts of standby power even when idle. It’s easy to forget they’re plugged in year-round, but unplugging between laundry days can cut waste. With fall’s cooler weather already pushing up heating costs, trimming every bit of excess energy helps.
Slow Cookers and Instant Pots
These are handy for soups and stews, sure - but once dinner’s done, you should unplug them. Many keep clocks, lights, or sensors running even after you turn them off. You don’t need your stew pot drawing power while it sits empty on the counter.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers and their accessories often keep pulling power even after shutdown. A full setup can quietly hike up your bill. Using a power strip makes it simple: just flip the switch when you’re done for the day. That will make the computer last longer as well!
Desktop Fans
When the weather cools down, that little fan on your desk probably isn’t running as much - but if it’s still plugged in, it’s costing you money. It might not be a lot on its own, but over a whole season, it adds up. Just unplug your fan when you no longer need it and stash it away for the winter.
