“Unplug your devices when not in use” sounds annoying, but it’s true. The trick is knowing what matters most.
What is vampire power?
Also called phantom load, it’s the electricity devices use while “off” or idle—anything with a clock, light, remote, or sleep mode
Common culprits:
Cable box/DVR: 20–30 W
Game console (rest mode): 10–15 W
Desktop (sleep): 5–21 W
Microwave (clock): 3–7 W
Chargers (plugged in, not charging): 0.1–1 W
Does it add up?
Standby power can be 5–10% of home usage, costing $50–$150/year. A single DVR idling 24/7 can waste ~$35 annually.
What not to unplug:
Fridge, router, smoke/CO alarms, security systems, medical gear, and smart hubs you depend on.
Simple, high-impact fixes:
Smart strips for entertainment centers: Cut power to consoles, soundbars, and streaming boxes when the TV turns off.
Kill rarely used power hogs: Spare printer, garage fridge, treadmill screen—add smart plugs/timers if needed.
Tweak console/PC settings: Enable energy saver, shorten sleep timers, disable “instant-on.”
Use smart plugs/timers: Lamps, heaters, holiday lights—schedule OFF overnight or when away.
Unplug chargers: Small savings, but reduces clutter and heat.
Want proof?
A plug-in energy monitor shows real standby use so you can target the worst offenders.
Bottom line:
Don’t unplug everything—just the wasteful few. Smart habits and automation can save $50–$150 a year with almost no effort.