Does Turning Off Breakers Save Electricity?

Wondering whether turning off your breakers will save electricity? The answer is that turning off breakers unnecessarily is not recommended.

While it may seem like a great idea, this isn’t the best way to reduce your home energy usage. Turning off circuit breakers can cause more damage than the potential savings are worth⁠—but luckily, there are other options.

Does Turning Off Breakers Save Electricity?

So, does turning off circuit breakers save money and electricity? Although turning off breakers does stop the flow of electricity, when you turn them back on, it can cause a surge of electricity, which can defeat the purpose of turning them off in the first place. Not only that, but it can be harmful to your electrical system to constantly turn breakers on and off. 

Circuit breakers aren’t the same as light switches. Though a circuit will trip on its own, the breaker is not made to turn on and off repeatedly. Each time you completely turn off your circuit breaker, it wears down, effectively reducing its lifespan. Flipping breakers may be necessary if you’re trying to fix a power problem, but it’s not ideal for saving electricity. 

How to Save Electricity Without Turning Off Breakers

Since a new circuit breaker costs between $520 to $2,120, you should preserve your existing breaker’s lifespan, which means avoiding switching them on and off more than needed. (However, you should probably replace your breaker if you have a Federal Pacific Electric Breaker.)

So, avoid flipping breakers like burgers and try the following tips instead to cut costs on your electric bill. 

1. Unplug Your Appliances 

If you turn off your main breaker, you risk accidentally cutting off power to essential appliances. Most of us remember to clear out the kitchen fridge, but what about the refrigerator in the garage or your sump pump? Like circuit breakers, some appliances aren’t meant to be turned on and off.

Instead of cutting your power completely, you can save energy by unplugging specific appliances that drain energy even when they’re turned off. Try unplugging so-called “vampire appliances” like televisions, computers, laptops, microwaves, game consoles, Internet routers, and select kitchen appliances (think: coffee makers and kettles).

Additionally, some homeowners prefer to flip off certain circuits rather than the entire main breaker. This ensures that only certain appliances like your stove, washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher are turned off. If you choose this route, make sure you know exactly what devices are connected to which circuit. But remember it’s best to only do this when necessary.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat 

According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% on cooling and heating usage by adjusting your thermostat back by 7 to 10 degrees from its usual setting for 8 hours per day. So, bump it up during the summer months and turn it down in the cooler months while you're away at work (as long as you don't have pets to keep comfortable) to save electricity and cut costs. 

Additionally, you can install a smart thermostat you can monitor from afar, which is an excellent option for when you leave on vacation. So, if the weather gets dangerously cold, you can remotely adjust the thermostat using a mobile app.

3. Switch Out Your Lighting

Did you know that you could save money on your electric bill by switching light bulbs and lighting in your home? The average household can save as much as $225 per year by switching to LED lighting. 

The reason is that LED lights are 75% more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lights. Not only do they save on energy, but their lifespan is drastically longer, too. LED bulbs can last up to 50,000 hours, while incandescent bulbs burn out at around 1,000 hours. So, while the upfront costs are higher, they save money on your electric bill, and you don’t have to replace them as often. 

4. Hire a Professional to Perform an Energy Audit

If you’ve noticed a significant increase in your electric bill and want to find ways to save electricity, then opt for a home energy audit instead of turning off breakers. A professional will evaluate and test various aspects of your home, such as windows, doors, and your HVAC system, to find energy losses. This can typically cost around $400, but can vary depending on the type of audit and size of your home.

Now, if you have an appliance malfunctioning or know of any electrical issues, then you can contact an electrician near you to help diagnose and fix the problem.

Should You Turn Off the Circuit Breaker While On Vacation?

Whether you are leaving for the weekend or taking an extended vacation, it’s best to leave your circuit breaker on. Turning them on and off repeatedly can potentially cause fire and decrease the lifespan of your breaker. So, it’s better to use other methods, such as adjusting your thermostat to reduce electric use and costs and skip switching off your breaker when on vacation.