What You Need to Know About Vampire Energy

Vampire energy is waste from devices and appliances left plugged in throughout your home, even when they are not in use. The average household pays up to $100 per year for electricity wasted by devices left plugged in, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over time, these hidden energy drains quietly increase your monthly electric costs by 5–10%.

As technology has advanced, the number of devices in your house has also increased. Today, the average household has electronics running in every room. But some rooms may have more energy vampires than others. Your office and living room typically have multiple cords and electronics running all day. From TVs to computers, these rooms are a great place to start searching for energy vampires in your home. Kitchens also have quite a few appliances you can unplug when you’re not using them, such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, and air fryers.

It’s easy to eliminate excess energy waste from vampire energy and start saving on your electricity bills. Reducing consumption also benefits the environment by lowering your carbon footprint. Use the following tips to address vampire energy in your household:

Unplug cords and chargers

The following are examples of some of the most common cords you can unplug when you’re not using the device or you’re away from home:

• Coffee makers
• Toaster ovens
• Microwaves
• Hair dryers
• Printers
• Computers
• Game consoles
• Smart speakers
• Cable and streaming boxes
• Wi-Fi routers
• Phone and laptop chargers

Upgrade to power strips

Switching to power strips allows you to handle multiple devices at once. For example, if you use a power strip for your computer, monitor, and cellphone charger, you can cut off these devices at the same time by turning off or unplugging the power strip. Smart plugs are also a good option because you can control them remotely. If you leave the house and forget to unplug a few devices, you can conveniently check the app and shut them off.

Switch to energy-efficient appliances

While this is a more costly route, investing in energy-efficient appliances helps reduce consumption. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use less energy than traditional models and can lead to long-term electricity bill savings. Keep in mind that you don’t have to switch all of your appliances at once. Instead, wait until your current appliance needs replacement, then consider energy-efficient options.

Saving energy can save money

Reducing vampire energy consumption within your home or business is important because your energy usage directly impacts your electricity bills. When you have devices draining electricity while not in use, your monthly consumption will be higher. The more energy you use, the higher your electricity bill. Finding these sources of unused energy and cutting them off will help decrease your electricity costs.

What are energy vampire devices?

Electricity vampires are electronics and appliances that use electricity even when turned off. Common devices typically include TVs, gaming systems, Wi-Fi routers, smart speakers, and phone chargers. Even though you aren’t actively using the device, it’s still plugged into the wall and using energy.

Which rooms have the most vampire energy?

Typically, living rooms, home offices, and kitchens have the most vampire energy. These rooms often have multiple electronics and small appliances that stay plugged in all day and night, such as the TV, streaming boxes, coffee makers, and air fryers. You can reduce the impact of vampire energy devices by unplugging them when not in use or when you’re away from home for a while.

Do smart plugs save electricity?

Yes, smart plugs help cut off power to multiple devices at once to reduce standby energy use. They consume a small amount of energy to stay connected, but the savings from turning off unused electronics outweigh that usage. Many smart plugs also let you schedule when the plug is in use or off, and you can control the device remotely from an app. Using smart plugs can help you reduce the impact of energy vampires from wherever you are.

How does standby power affect my bill?

Energy vampires can make up 5% to 10% of your total electricity use, depending on how many devices are plugged in. The constant drain adds up over time and can raise your monthly bill by up to $100 per year. You can reduce these hidden costs by unplugging your devices when not in use and switching to smart plugs and energy-efficient appliances.