At a Glance:
Do Appliances Use Electricity When Not in Use?
Which Major Appliance Uses the Most Electricity?
How Much Can You Save by Unplugging Appliances?
Problems with Unplugging Appliances
Energy Efficient Appliances that Help Save Electricity (and More)
With increasing energy costs and consumer awareness of the environmental effects of using appliances, many homeowners are beginning to wonder how to save electricity around their homes. You might even remember your parents practicing the habit of unplugging appliances to save on energy costs, but does unplugging appliances save electricity? These days, it’s an entirely different playing field with the latest generation of high-efficiency appliances, but buyers still wonder where giving a fridge or range the unplug is the solution to lower power consumption. We explore that and more in this guide where we solve the mystery of unplugging home appliances and provide home energy saving tips for the modern homeowner.
Do Appliances Use Electricity When Not in Use?
Believe it or not, appliances drain power when plugged in but not in use. Over a year, idle appliances can add considerably to an electricity bill. Saving money and energy consumption where possible is important, but does unplugging appliances save electricity make sense on a daily basis and should you unplug appliances when not in use? Let’s break down it down for you.
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Shop NowWhich Major Appliance Uses the Most Electricity?
The question isn’t so much “how much electricity do appliances use” but rather which ones use the most. By identifying the biggest contributors to home utility bills, the average homeowner is able to practice greener habits that are beneficial to the environment and the wallet alike.
Some appliances around your home you might not realize are the biggest energy drains include:
- Refrigerators: Fridges use the majority of your home’s power (in terms of appliances) because they work 24/7. What’s more, small, older fridges use more power than newer energy efficient refrigerators. Ultimately, the energy consumption of a refrigerator depends on its style, size, and age. In the end, when asking, “Can I turn off the refrigerator every night,” it’s best to keep the unit running for food safety reasons, plus it’s more efficient to keep a fridge running versus making the compressor re-cool everything every morning.
- Dishwashers: A dishwasher uses small amounts of energy when it is not in use. When it is in use, dishwasher energy consumption is much lower than washing dishes by hand, so there’s little need to unplug dishwasher machines if saving energy is your concern.
- Ovens: Gas appliances only require electric hookups. While electric oven power consumption is higher while in use, both gas and electric models use a small amount of electricity to power their clocks and remain on standby. “Can I unplug my oven?” Sure! But it’s hardly worth the effort.
- Ranges: Electric range power consumption depends on the model in your home. A gas range still uses a small amount of electrical power, while electric and induction models run solely on electricity when in and out of use. When you unplug electric stove setups, there is minimal savings—not to mention having to reset a clock every day.
- Cooktops: Electric cooktop power consumption can be reduced using models with precision temperature controls and quick boiling burners. Overall, cooktops only really draw energy when in use, so fuel source is the biggest factor for energy consumption. Gas cooktops are by far the least efficient while induction cooktops are the most. However, gas cooktops do not require electric hookups (igniting the pilot with a match or flame provides power), while electric cooktops do.
- Washers: Laundry appliances are notorious energy hogs. With that said, washers use electricity to heat water and drive the agitator or drum. Therefore, rather than unplugging the appliance, washing machine electricity consumption can be reduced by using cold washes and shorter wash cycles.
- Dryers: Clothes dryer electricity consumption is another major contributor to home energy efficiency—especially if you have a gas model. However, when buyers ask us “Should I unplug my dryer when not in use,” we make sure to explain a an idle dryer isn’t the main problem. Switching to energy-efficient dryers, such as models with heat pumps, can help mitigate energy consumption.
How Much Can You Save by Unplugging Appliances?
So, does unplugging appliances save electricity? In short, yes. Unplugging your appliances when they are not in use can save some money on your power bill, but it can cause serious disruptions to your daily life.
Saving power in less time-consuming ways is much easier than finding and unplugging every appliance in your home on a daily basis. Reduce your power consumption at home dramatically in other ways including:
✅ Upgrading to energy efficient models.
✅Keeping your fridge closed as much as possible.
✅Make sure to use appliances during off-peak hours.
✅Apply for energy rebates on your qualifying appliances.
Learn more: How to Take Advantage of Appliance Rebates in Washington State
Problems with Unplugging Appliances
Now that we’ve answered “Does unplugging appliances save electricity,” it’s time to explain why it might not be worth the effort at all. While there are potential savings, unplugging appliances can also cause problems and delays in your home, such as:
- Food Safety: Freezers and refrigerators keep food at optimum temperatures for safety. Unplugging them to save some electricity can lead to the growth of bacteria and cause illness.
- Potential Safety Hazard: To keep kitchen designs minimal and stylish, outlets are often located underneath or behind major appliances. Moving large appliances and stretching behind cabinets regularly can lead to injuries (and damage to flooring or cabinets).
- Inconvenience: There are so many things to remember to do every day. The mental load of remembering to unplug our appliances regularly can quickly become more stressful than it is worth.
- Additional Energy Usage: Appliances use no energy while they are unplugged, but some of them require large bursts of energy to start up again. Constantly starting up and turning off appliances can lead to more overall energy use with some appliances.
Learn more: Save in Style: 5 Energy Efficient Washer & Dryer Sets [+ Tips]
Energy Efficient Appliances That Help Save Electricity (and More)
Homeowners can save energy on appliances without taking on extra daily chores, mental load, or risking injury and illness at home. Energy efficient appliances help reduce your power consumption and electric bills automatically, without any change in habits or inconveniences. Here are a few great examples of energy efficient appliances that cut down on energy consumption without having to unplug them at the end of the day.
GE Profile™ 27.6 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Shop This GE Profile Refrigerator
The door-in-door design of this French door GE Profile refrigerator maximizes your food storage flexibility. Separate chilling units in the refrigerator and freezer compartment keep optimum temperatures in both areas, maintaining groceries fresher for longer and avoiding damage from freezer burn. Along with Wi-fi enabled to alerts, this smart refrigerator also features an auto-fill dispenser, voice-controlled compatibility, and an ENERGY STAR certified performance.
⭐Featured GE Profile PVD28BYNFS Review:
“Both my husband and I love our new refrigerator. The middle refrigerator door works out perfect for our work lunch foods we buy. Keeps things well organized.”
Maytag® 30” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless steel Single Electric Wall Oven with Air Fryer
It’s rare to find an oven with an ENERGY STAR certified rating, but this Maytag wall oven boasts it proudly. On top of efficient baking, it allows you to create even more with the latest features to elevate your cooking experience. Upgrades include a built-in air fryer setting and a variable broiler, plus true convection baking for even results every time. Best of all, it’s covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
⭐Featured Maytag MOES6030LZ Review:
“This wall oven is simply amazing! It has a built in air fryer with a basket and it makes cooking so much better each time! You can cook regularly and also make food perfectly crisp also. Best invention ever.”
Café™ 30” Slide In Induction Range
The sleek looks of Café’s pro-style appliances have made them a sought-after line for home cooks. This slide-in induction range gives you precise control over temperatures in the oven and on the range for the best results every time. Customizable hardware helps this range blend seamlessly into your kitchen, while the advanced technology features include a no-preheat Air Fry setting, guide cooking demos, and synchronized elements for flexible cooking.
⭐Featured Cafe CHS900P2MS1 Review:
“All we need to complete a high end look. Beautiful style, and good quality.”
LG Studio 36” Black Induction Cooktop
Blending seamlessly into your counters and a perfect accompaniment to an energy-efficient wall oven, this LG Studio induction cooktop adds affordable luxury to your home. Its ENERGY STAR certified performance keeps power bills down, even though this powerful cooktop includes a 6000 Watt central burner for fast boiling and precise temperature control. With the ability to sync to the LG ThinQ app for smartphone control and diagnosing issues, this large 36 inch smart stovetop is a great addition to connected kitchens and for home cooks who want the next level of cooking performance. A responsive touchscreen control panel
GE® 24” Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
This energy-efficient dishwasher from GE saves power, money, and keeps your family healthy with its sanitizing cycles to kill 99.9% of household bacteria. Made in America with real households in mind, the flexible racks work with your tall and oddly shaped pots and pans.
Using Dry Boost technology to reduce your workload after every cycle, this dependable dishwasher from GE also makes dish care simple with upgrades like an extra-large capacity and the exclusive Piranha Hard Food Disposal system.
⭐Featured GE GDT550PYRFS Review:
“Our GE dishwasher cleans the dishes with ease. The quiet feature and options for cleaning level, drying options, etc make it perfect for my small family.”
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
Laundry can be one of the bigger drains on electricity. Choosing a powerful, energy-efficient washing machine can make a huge difference to your power usage, energy bills, and the cleanliness of your laundry. This top-rated washer from Electrolux offers stain-busting wash technologies, and the option of 15 minute quick washes for laundry emergencies. This model was named one of the Most Efficient models on the market, and with nearly 3,000 5-star ratings, it's one of users’ favorites too.
⭐Featured Electrolux ELFW7537AW Review:
“I live in a second floor apartment and there are renters below me. I wanted a washer/dryer that was quiet. Electrolux delivered! I am very happy with my Electrolux washer/dryer set that provides many useful functions, quiet operation, clean clothes, and is attractively designed!”
Learn more: Energy Star Refrigerator: What Does It Mean?
At Albert Lee, we are always thrilled to hear when our customers want to be more energy-conscious. The Puget Sound is always inspiring us to seek out the most energy-efficient appliances and find deals for our customers on models that don’t cost homeowners too much money to run. To learn about more ways to save energy at home with the latest appliances, be sure to browse our entire selection online or visit on of our appliances near you throughout the Puget Sound!
Why Trust Albert Lee?
Since 1939, Albert Lee Appliance, a three-generation, family-owned business, continues to grow and serve the greater Pacific Northwest area with quality products you can count on and service you can trust. We are proud to have served this community for so long and wouldn’t be here without our loyal customers. There is a reason why we are Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer, and it’s not a secret. Simply put: We have the experience. We have been the original appliance experts for over eight decades (and counting).
Shop Appliances at Albert Lee
At Albert Lee Appliance, we provide quality name-brand appliances for great prices. Shop appliances online or visit us today at one of our six locations in Puget Sound, WA. In the meantime, browse our website to shop Albert Lee appliance sales and check out Albert Lee appliance reviews online to ensure every purchase is an informed one. More available than ever, our experts at Albert Lee Appliance are always happy to help you answer does unplugging appliances save electricity and more whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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