In many households, a common practice is carried out before going to sleep or before heading out on vacation: power strips are turned off and “anything unnecessary” is unplugged. The logic behind this action is clear: to reduce the so-called “phantom power consumption,” which refers to the electricity consumed by small indicator lights, clocks, power supplies, and devices that remain on standby.
However, not all devices handle frequent power interruptions well. In some cases, unplugging on a daily basis is not a “money-saving measure,” but a routine that causes inconveniences, leads to loss of settings, or interrupts internal processes designed to run precisely when the device appears to be off.
Here lies the crux of the matter: standby does not always mean inactive.
Phantom Power Consumption Exists… But Not Everything Is Worth Unplugging
Standby consumption is real and can add up, especially in homes with many devices plugged in 24/7. Some popular estimates in Spain suggest that the impact of standby consumption amounts to a significant percentage of a household’s electrical expenditure, enough to justify smart measures (power strips with switches, timers, smart plugs, etc.).
However, trying to scrape savings by indiscriminately unplugging can backfire: there are devices whose operation, durability, or maintenance depend on remaining connected, even if they are not “on.”
Devices You Shouldn’t Regularly Unplug
1) Fridge and freezer: for food safety (and for the health of the appliance itself), these appliances are designed to maintain a stable cold chain. Interrupting the power disrupts this continuity, encourages condensation, can generate odors, and forces the appliance to work harder upon restart. For long absences, the sensible thing to do is not just to “unplug and go,” but to empty, clean, and leave doors slightly open if the intent is to shut down completely.
2) Router and network equipment: the savings are small compared to the impact: loss of connectivity for home automation, cameras, alarms, backups, remote services, or updates executed during off-peak hours. If the goal is to rest at night, it’s often more effective to schedule WiFi (not the entire router) or use the equipment’s built-in schedules.
3) OLED TVs: “off” does not always mean off. Many models perform internal tasks to maintain panel uniformity and mitigate image retention. Sony, for example, mentions in their manuals that the “panel refresh” runs automatically after prolonged use, which can take about an hour, and some functions require the TV to remain in standby to work correctly.
4) Modern washing machines and dishwashers: heavily reliant on electronics – circuit boards, sensors, calibrations, internal clocks, and programs. Cutting power habitually doesn’t usually “break” them immediately but can cause: loss of time/programs, frequent system restarts, erratic behavior after reconnections, and more accumulated electrical stress that doesn’t offer real benefits.
5) Ovens and induction hobs: it’s not because they “need to be plugged in,” but because they are often connected to dedicated lines and are not designed for users to frequently connect and disconnect. If the goal is to save, the margin usually doesn’t justify manipulating hard-to-reach connections.
What You Should Unplug (and When)
To save sensibly, focus usually falls on entertainment devices or chargers that stay plugged in unnecessarily for hours:
– Unused chargers,
– Old standby-permanent sound systems,
– Game consoles and set-top boxes if not used daily,
– Small power supplies (e.g., LED lamp transformers),
– Home printers if used sporadically.
The useful rule is simple: unplug what doesn’t have “internal maintenance,” nor critical functions, nor a need to remain operational.
The Most Effective Approach: Power Strips and Programming
If the goal is to reduce phantom power consumption without taking chances with delicate appliances, three strategies often yield better results:
1) Power strips with switches for the “media corner” (non-OLED TVs, gaming consoles, soundbars, players, etc.).
2) Smart plugs to schedule times without manually unplugging.
3) Internal settings: many routers allow WiFi to be disabled by time slots without cutting power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does “phantom power” consumption really impact the bill?
It can, particularly if many devices are in permanent standby. The impact varies based on habits and the number of devices, but it’s typically more beneficial to target entertainment electronics and chargers, rather than large appliances.
Why shouldn’t an OLED TV always be unplugged?
Because some models run automatic panel maintenance routines in standby (such as “panel refresh”) after prolonged use, and the manufacturer warns that some functions require the TV to remain in standby.
What happens if I unplug the router every night?
Normally it doesn’t “damage” it but can affect services that depend on being constantly connected (home automation, cameras, remote access) and automatic processes that run during off-peak hours. If the aim is better sleep, it’s usually preferable to schedule WiFi instead of cutting power.
How to save without unplugging half the house?
The most effective combination usually involves: power strips with switches for entertainment, smart plugs with schedules, and checking chargers or devices in unnecessary standby. This way, expenditure is reduced without interfering with the normal operation of equipment.
