BTN News: In today’s homes, many devices help with everyday tasks like washing clothes, cleaning, and cooking. But did you know that unplugging some devices can make them break faster? Many families in Peru unplug electronics to save on electricity bills. This helps reduce “phantom load” or “vampire energy,” where devices use power even when off. However, this good habit can sometimes harm specific devices. Here are three common home items that can get damaged when often unplugged.
Inkjet Printers Can Have Problems When Unplugged Frequently
Inkjet printers can get damaged if you unplug them too often. These printers should be turned off properly using their on/off button. This lets the print head rest, saving ink and protecting the printer. If you unplug the printer without turning it off, the print head doesn’t rest. When you plug it back in, the printer cleans itself, using a lot of ink and wearing out faster. This costs more in ink and shortens the printer’s life.
OLED Televisions Need to Stay Plugged in to Keep Picture Quality
OLED televisions have great picture quality but need special care with their power use. These TVs do important maintenance while in standby mode, like refreshing pixels to keep the picture clear. Unplugging an OLED TV stops these updates, which can harm the picture quality over time. To keep your OLED TV working well, leave it plugged in so it can do its maintenance.
Wifi Routers Should Not Be Unplugged Often to Avoid Connectivity Issues
Most homes use wifi routers for internet access. These routers need to stay on to keep a stable connection. Unplugging your router, especially at night to save energy, can cause connection problems. When you plug it back in, it might take time to reconnect, and your devices might have interruptions. Unplugging the router often can also wear it out faster.
Save Energy Without Damaging Your Appliances by Following These Tips
It’s important to save energy and money, but also to protect your devices. Here are some tips to help you do both:
- Smart Plugs: Use smart plugs to control the power to your devices through an app. This way, you can turn them off properly before cutting the power.
- Power Strips with Switches: Use power strips with individual switches. This lets you turn off devices without unplugging them.
- Energy-Saving Modes: Use energy-saving modes on modern devices. These modes cut power use without needing to unplug the device.
- Routine Maintenance: Check your devices regularly to make sure they work well and fix small issues before they get big.
By knowing which devices can be damaged by frequent unplugging and taking steps to save energy without harming them, you can keep your home running smoothly. Always handle printers, OLED TVs, and routers carefully to extend their life and keep them working well.