The other day, my electrician stopped by to check something in my garage. It was supposed to be a quick visit—just a routine look at a breaker that had been acting up. But as he walked past my laundry area, he paused, pointed, and asked a simple question that ended up surprising me:
“Do you always leave your washer and dryer plugged in?”
I told him yes, of course. Why wouldn’t I? They weren’t running unless I turned them on, so I figured they weren’t doing anything. That’s when he gave me a piece of advice I wasn’t expecting.
Unplug Them After Use, He Said — You’ll Save Money
According to him, appliances like washers and dryers can still draw a small amount of electricity even when they’re not actively running. It’s called standby power or phantom load, and while it’s usually tiny per device, it can add up—especially for large appliances that stay plugged in 24/7.
He explained that modern washers, in particular, often have electronic control panels, sensors, and internal components that sip electricity around the clock. Dryers can be the same way, especially those with digital displays or smart features.
Unplugging them after each use, he said, could make a noticeable difference over time.
I Never Thought About It Before
To be honest, I’ve always unplugged small devices—chargers, countertop appliances, the occasional lamp. But big appliances? It never crossed my mind. They felt permanent, like part of the house. Unplugging them after use almost seemed… odd.
But when an electrician tells you something like that, you listen.
A Simple Habit That Costs Nothing
What stuck with me the most was how easy the change was. No fancy upgrades, no new equipment, no complicated adjustments—just a small habit shift:
- Finish laundry.
- Unplug.
- Plug back in when needed.
It takes maybe three seconds.
Do All Households Need to Do This?
Not necessarily. Some people don’t mind the tiny standby energy use. Others have outlets placed inconveniently behind appliances. And some modern energy-efficient models may consume next to nothing when idle.
But for anyone trying to squeeze every dollar out of their monthly electricity bill, it’s a tip worth considering—especially when it comes from someone who works with electrical systems every day.
A Tiny Tip That Made Me More Aware
Since his visit, I’ve become more conscious of how many things around my home are quietly sipping power when I’m not using them. The washer and dryer were just the start.
And who knows—maybe unplugging a few more things will mean slightly smaller bills and slightly more money in my pocket each month. I’ll take it.
