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Why Unplug
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The Risk
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Fire hazard
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Space heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires; leaving them plugged in unattended increases risk
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Phantom power draw
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Many models consume 1–5 watts even when “off”
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Component wear
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Continuous power flow can degrade internal electronics over time
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✅ When to unplug: Always unplug immediately after use—never leave plugged in overnight or when leaving the house.
💡 Pro tip: Use a heavy-duty power strip with an on/off switch for easier control. Store the heater in a dry place when not in season.
⚠️ Safety first: Never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip not rated for high-wattage devices. Plug directly into a wall outlet.
2. Phone, Tablet, and Laptop Chargers
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Why Unplug
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The Impact
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No-load power consumption
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Chargers draw power even when not connected to a device
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Cumulative cost
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A single idle charger wastes $1–$2/year; multiply by household chargers = $10–$30/year
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Heat buildup
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Plugged-in chargers can generate heat, posing a minor fire risk in rare cases
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Surge vulnerability
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Left plugged in during storms, chargers can be damaged by power surges
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