New Delhi, June 24 -- Have you ever got into bed at night and immediately realised that maybe you let an appliance on? We've all left the TV running or the washing machine spinning while we drift off, but is it just about a higher bill, or could it be something more? Let's take a walk through the house and see what's actually safe to leave on, and what's better switched off before you call it a night.

If there's one thing you never switch off, it's the fridge. That's the rule, and for good reason. Your freezer gets the same pass. But ovens, microwaves, toasters, and coffee makers? These are best left off. Not only do they quietly use power, but there's always a small risk if something goes wrong. Dishwashers are a bit of a grey area. It'...