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Appliance that many people leave plugged in should be turned off after use to avoid an increase of up to 12% in the electricity bill and internal damage caused by electrical fluctuations, technicians warn.

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published on 14/05/2026 at 22:40
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Invisible consumption of devices connected to the outlet can weigh on the wallet and increase electrical risks inside the home. Equipment with digital panels continues to consume energy even without active use, while fluctuations in the network can compromise internal components and reduce the lifespan of popular appliances in Brazilian kitchens.

Leaving air fryer and electric oven plugged in even after use can increase energy waste, expose electronic components to fluctuations in the electrical network, and accelerate the internal wear of the devices, according to guidelines related to energy efficiency and home safety.

Especially in models with digital panels, indicator lights, sensors, and timers, part of the circuits remains active in standby mode, even if the equipment is not preparing food at that moment.

In addition to residual consumption, Inmetro advises avoiding devices connected unnecessarily, as permanent standby also increases risks of overheating, short circuits, and electrical failures in domestic installations.

Energy consumption in standby mode concerns specialists

With the modernization of Brazilian kitchens, compact and high-power appliances have come to occupy a fixed space on countertops, bringing more convenience to daily meal preparation and increasing the presence of continuously connected electronic devices.

Although they facilitate the routine, these devices require extra attention to the state of the outlets, the quality of the electrical installation, and the period they remain connected to the network, especially in homes with a large number of appliances.

Even after heating ends, certain systems remain energized to keep basic functions in operation, something common in models that have digital displays, programming memory, and permanent indicator lights.

At first glance, the consumption may seem slight, but the impact tends to grow when several devices remain in standby daily, a scenario that Inmetro itself has already pointed out as frequent in many Brazilian homes.

Air fryer and electric oven require care after use

Due to the use of high-power resistors, intense heat circulation, and electronic thermal control systems, air fryers and electric ovens require some specific care after use ends.

Maintenance technicians recommend unplugging the device only after it has completely cooled down, especially when there is no plan to reuse it within the same period of the day.

Besides the residual energy consumption, keeping the device connected increases exposure to sudden voltage fluctuations, especially during storms, power grid failures, or internal issues in the home’s installation.

In these situations, electronic boards, sensors, fuses, and protection components may suffer progressive wear or present unexpected failures, even if the device apparently continues to function normally.

Although this does not mean immediate damage in all cases, completely turning off the equipment interrupts the power supply and reduces the chance of damage caused by network instabilities.

Electricity bill can increase with devices left on unnecessarily

Reports and materials on energy efficiency often point out that standby consumption can represent a significant portion of the monthly electricity expense, especially in homes with many devices connected simultaneously.

Although the percentage varies according to the number of devices, the time they remain plugged in, and the model used, public sources recognize that standby mode generates continuous consumption even without active use.

In homes with televisions, microwaves, coffee makers, electric ovens, and air fryers continuously on, the difference tends to be more noticeable over the month, especially during periods of high tariffs.

Besides local tariff conditions, usage habits and the energy efficiency of each product also directly affect the final electricity bill amount.

Even so, unplugging devices used only at specific times remains a practical measure to reduce waste and limit invisible consumption at home.

Precautions when turning off devices prevent household accidents

Before unplugging the device, it is recommended to wait for complete shutdown and cooling of the internal parts, as air fryers and electric ovens retain residual heat for several minutes after use.

Grates, baskets, and metallic surfaces may remain hot even after the cooking process ends, increasing the risk of burns if turned off hastily.

Another important precaution involves the correct way to disconnect the equipment, always pulling by the plug and never by the cord, a practice that helps avoid internal wiring damage.

Moreover, improvised extensions, multi-plugs, overloaded adapters, and loose sockets should be avoided in high-power devices, as they increase the risk of overheating.

Burnt smell, sparks, excessive heating at the socket, or frequent circuit breaker trips also require immediate attention, as they may indicate poor contact, overload, or failures in the electrical installation.

Proper electrical installation helps preserve equipment

More than just unplugging the device, experts emphasize that safety depends on an electrical installation capable of correctly supporting the power required by heating appliances.

For this, it is necessary to use suitable outlets, wiring in good condition, and circuit breakers compatible with the electrical load of the circuit used in the kitchen.

It is also not recommended to connect high-power equipment to the same outlet or extension, as this practice increases the electrical current at the connection point and promotes overheating.

The problem tends to be even more common in older properties or in makeshift installations, where the electrical structure does not always keep up with the demand of modern appliances.

Manufacturers also advise consulting the user manual, as certain models have specific requirements related to voltage, ventilation, grounding, and safe cooling interval after operation.

Simple habit can reduce energy waste

In the domestic routine, experts recommend keeping only the appliances that really need continuous operation, such as refrigerators and equipment considered essential for daily life.

Conversely, devices used for short periods, such as air fryers, coffee makers, electric ovens, and sandwich makers, can be unplugged after safe use and complete cooling.

The change is simple, does not require additional investment, and can help control monthly energy consumption, especially in homes with a large number of connected appliances.

Besides saving money, the habit reduces the exposure of appliances to electrical fluctuations during storms, prolonged periods without use, or times when the house remains empty.

When combined with proper installation, conscious use, and preventive maintenance, this care contributes to preserving the equipment and reducing electrical risks in the home environment.

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Alisson Ficher

A journalist who graduated in 2017 and has been active in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints at free-to-air TV channels, and over 12,000 online publications. A specialist in politics, employment, economics, courses, and other topics, he is also the editor of the CPG portal. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, wish to report an error, or suggest a story idea related to the topics covered on the website, please contact via email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept résumés!

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