Watch for Warning Signs
Pay attention to:
Frayed cords
Cracked plugs
Scorch marks
Burning smells
Sparks
Repeated breaker trips
Excessive heat
Loose plugs
Unusual buzzing
Don’t keep using an appliance simply because “it still works.”
Electrical problems aren’t always dramatic at first.
What About Your Television?
This is where household advice can become exaggerated.
You don’t necessarily need to unplug your television
every night.
Most modern televisions are designed to enter standby mode and use relatively little electricity while waiting for the remote control or other functions.
However, unplugging the television can completely eliminate standby power.
It can also make sense during a long vacation or when the television has developed an electrical problem.
The Same Goes for Other Electronics
Computers, monitors, game consoles, speakers, and streaming devices can also use standby power.
If you’re trying to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption, a switched power strip can make it easier to disconnect several
