At the end of the evening, many people switch off their TV or computer before putting their phone on charge. But in doing so, they forget about the many devices around their house that they should unplug while they sleep.

Taking power cords out of plug sockets has many benefits. Consuming less energy is better for the environment and could save you money on your electricity bill each month too. From a safety standpoint, you may also mitigate the risk of a fire breaking out in your home.

Here are nine gadgets and devices you should unplug every night before you go to bed.

1. Your TV

Before you go to bed, the chances are that you turn your TV off either from the remote or buttons on the screen. But often, your device will only go into standby mode when it remains plugged in.

If your TV is plugged in, it still consumes energy. While you may miss out on software updates during the night when unplugging completely, these can wait until the morning.

2. Your Wireless Router

During the day, we use Wi-Fi almost everywhere. We rely on it to get our work done, stream Netflix series at home, research for a college assignment, and everything in between.

But when you go to sleep, you’re not using it. And if that’s the case, you’re not getting any extra benefits from keeping the wireless router plugged in.

Like keeping your TV plugged in, wireless routers consume energy when they stay plugged in overnight.

When turning off your wireless router, you’ll also reduce your exposure to the EMF radiation that these devices give off.

3. Your Computer

If you have a desktop computer, keeping it plugged in at night is pointless. A lot of people today, however, have laptops instead.

While charging your laptop overnight may seem like a good idea, you’re going to waste energy once the battery hits 100 percent.

If you usually keep your laptop plugged in all day while you work, keeping your device plugged in overnight is also pointless.

Related: Laptop Is Plugged In But Not Charging? Try These Steps to Solve Your Issue

4. Small Kitchen Appliances

Like many other appliances on this list, keeping most small kitchen appliances plugged in wastes unnecessary energy.

In particular, consider unplugging any of the following:

• Coffee machines
• Toasters
• Microwaves
• Blenders and smoothie makers
• Kettles
• Electric Toothbrushes and Shaving Equipment

When you’re not using them, keeping electric toothbrushes and shaving equipment on charge will ensure that they’re always ready to use. However, you’ll also waste a lot of energy and decrease battery life.

Instead of charging these appliances overnight, try to do so only when they’re on low battery and during the day. In the long run, you’ll get more out of them—and you’ll do so without the extra effort.

5. Lamps Around Your House

Were you ever told to switch the lights off whenever you left a room as a youngster? When it comes to unplugging lamps before going to bed, it’s a good idea to do the same.

While lamps only use a bit of energy when unplugged, that’s still wasted energy if you aren’t using them. Instead of using lamps, consider using other forms of lighting—such as under-counter lights—to show the way to the kitchen and bathroom while you sleep.

If you’re worried about potential intruders targeting your property, consider getting outdoor lighting that switches on whenever someone steps within its perimeters. Window locks are also another worthy investment. Security sign-in for your garden entry is also smart.

6. Electric Blankets

Electric blankets are great for keeping you warm and cozy on cold nights. But keeping them plugged in while you sleep could pose a severe fire risk.

Instead of keeping electric blankets plugged in, consider letting them warm up your bed before you go to sleep. While you’re sleeping, getting a high-quality duvet that will keep you warm is a much better alternative.

7. Your Phone Charger

Yes, that’s right. The very first thing you put on charge before sleeping is precisely what you should unplug instead.

Once your phone reaches 100 percent, your phone will replace any excess energy used with trickle charging.

Related: Why Charging Your Phone Overnight Is Bad

Over time, phone batteries’ capacities naturally lower. But if you regularly charge your phone when it doesn’t need it, that cycle will come around much quicker.

Instead of charging your phone overnight, consider doing so just after you’ve woken up. By the time you’ve showered and eaten breakfast, you should have enough battery.

8. Wireless Headphone Cases

Generally speaking, your wireless headphone cases probably need charging much less than you think.

Like with smartphones, wireless headphones’ batteries will have lower charging capacities over time. And the more you charge them without a need to do so, the faster you’ll degrade these.

If you need to charge your headphones in the case, go ahead. But if you need to charge the case, you’re better off waiting until morning.

9. Extension Cords

Extension cords help us plug everything in a room from a central point when we don’t have enough wall chargers. But unless you’re powering things that need to stay on at all times, keeping them plugged in when out of use will waste energy.

In worse cases, your extension cord might overheat if it constantly needs to power numerous appliances at once. As such, you could put yourself at risk of fire.

Even if you don’t wholly unplug the cord, it’s still a good idea to at least take out the plugs for any appliances you don’t need.

Unplug These Devices to Save Energy and Improve Safety

Although some appliances need to stay connected, this isn’t the case for many that we use regularly. Often, unplugging certain gadgets and devices will help to increase their lifecycle—and could even save you money on your energy bill.

As a general rule of thumb, try to only keep appliances plugged in when you need to. Once you’ve finished watching TV, take the cord out. And if your phone has a near-full battery charge, putting your charger back in doesn’t make too much sense.

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