Here are five appliances worth paying attention to.
Switch it off and unplug it after use. Crumbs and faulty heating components can pose a fire risk. Clean the crumb tray regularly.
Turn it off and unplug it immediately after ironing. Never leave a hot iron unattended or resting on clothing.
Turn it off after brewing and unplug it if the manufacturer permits. Some models have heating elements that can become hazardous if they malfunction.
Switch them off, unplug them, and let them cool before storing. Keep them away from water, and never leave them running unattended.
Unplug chargers when they aren’t needed, especially if they’re damaged, unusually hot, or connected to a loose socket. Standby power savings are generally modest, but switching off unused devices can help.
Three important safety rules
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Don’t unplug everything indiscriminately. Keep refrigerators, freezers, and essential medical equipment connected.
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Avoid overloaded sockets and poor-quality adapters. Replace damaged plugs, cords, and loose outlets.
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Prioritize safety over small savings. Standby power can contribute to household electricity use, but the amount varies by device.Energy.gov.au+1
Bottom line: Start with heat-producing small appliances, such as toasters, irons, and hair dryers. Switching them off properly and unplugging them when appropriate is a sensible way to improve household safety.
