Unplugging household appliances can save electricity by preventing what’s known as phantom power or vampire energy. However, the actual savings depend on the type of appliance. For simple devices like a basic toaster or traditional drip coffee maker, the amount of electricity saved is usually very small—often just a few dollars per year.

Do Appliances Use Electricity When They’re Turned Off? Some modern appliances continue drawing power even when switched off. TVs, microwaves, gaming consoles and coffee makers with digital clocks, displays, remote controls or smart features may use a small amount of electricity while in standby mode. On the other hand, a basic toaster or mechanical coffee maker with a physical switch that completely disconnects the circuit generally uses zero electricity when switched off, even if it remains plugged in.

Across an entire household, standby power can account for roughly 5% to 10% of electricity consumption, depending on the number and type of devices. For many households, that could mean around $10 to $50 in annual savings from reducing standby power. However, unplugging a simple toaster after every use is unlikely to make a noticeable difference to your electricity bill.

So, Is Unplugging Worth It? Focus on electronics with displays, clocks, standby modes and smart features rather than worrying about every basic appliance. Unplugging certain devices can also reduce the risk of accidental activation and some electrical hazards. The best approach is to understand which appliances actually consume power when they’re off instead of unplugging everything unnecessarily.