Why unplugging may harm your printers, OLED TVs and routers

Many of us unplug various devices from outlets in an attempt to save energy. Nonetheless, certain household devices might not handle this treatment well. As noted in an article from focus.de, created in collaboration with futurezone.de, three key devices should stay connected to power.

Unplugging inkjet printers can lead to problems. When you turn off the printer by cutting power instead of using the power button, the device remains in standby mode and does not enter sleep mode. Turning it back on triggers automatic head cleaning, significantly increasing ink consumption.

Modern OLED TVs that are regularly unplugged can suffer damage. The pixels in these screens are responsible for automatically updating the background image. Interrupting this process negatively affects image quality. To avoid issues, it is worth consulting the manufacturer on whether the device should be completely turned off or just use the power button.

Routers provide a constant internet connection, which is convenient and necessary for the operation of many devices. Unplugging routers at night may only be beneficial if other important devices, such as landline phones or smart home devices, are not using them. Otherwise, there could be problems with their operation after reconnecting the router. A stable internet connection is particularly crucial for remote work and smart homes.

There are also devices that require constant power, regardless of the situation:

      
• Refrigerators and freezers: unplugging them can lead to spoiled food.
• Security systems and alarms: these should always be on to ensure continuous protection.
• Smart thermostats: disconnecting them can affect the operation of heating and cooling systems.
• Life support systems: medical devices, such as oxygen therapy devices, must remain plugged in.

In summary, saving power by unplugging devices can be beneficial, but it is important to pay attention to the specifics of these devices. For inkjet printers, OLED TVs, and Wi-Fi routers, it is better to use the power button rather than unplugging the cord. Remember that some devices, such as computers or TVs, may require a special way of turning off to avoid damage or data loss.