Does Unplugging Appliances Really Save Electricity? A Look at “Vampire Power”

Many of us are used to our homes being quiet and still when we are sleeping or away. We turn off the lights, lock the doors, and assume everything is at rest. But what if your home is actually “awake” even when you’re fast asleep? This isn’t about ghosts or your teenager looking for a midnight snack. It’s about something much more common and a lot sneakier: “vampire power.”

This “vampire power” is also known as standby power. It’s the small but constant flow of electricity that many of our electronics and gadgets use, even when they are supposedly turned “off.” This might seem strange, but it’s very real. It’s called “vampire power” for a reason—it secretly “sucks” energy from your electrical outlets without you even realizing it.

Think about the devices in your home right now. Is your television “off”? It’s probably still using some energy. Is your coffee maker plugged in with its digital clock glowing? It’s “imagining tomorrow’s brew—and utilizing power to make it happen.” What about your phone charger? If it’s “connected but without a phone,” it is still drawing juice. These small, constant energy draws can add up over time.

What is Vampire Power and Why It’s Costing You Money

Vampire power goes by a few different names, including “phantom load,” “standby power,” and “leaking electricity.” It is the energy that devices use when they are not actively in use but are still plugged into an outlet. This happens for several reasons:

• The device is “off” but is still connected to a power source.
• The device is in “standby” mode, like a television waiting for the remote control signal.
• The device has features that require constant power, such as digital clocks, indicator lights, or an “instant-on” feature.
• A charger is plugged into the wall, but nothing is connected to it to charge.

Some of the most common “culprits” of this energy drain are everyday items you might not think about. These include phone and laptop chargers that are plugged into the wall with no device attached, smart TVs, soundbars, and gaming consoles. Also on the list are coffee makers with digital clocks, computers, printers, and microwaves—”hello, glowing clock.” Even chargers for small items like electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuums can be drawing power when you’re not using them.

It might seem like a small amount of electricity, but all these tiny energy draws add up. In fact, these devices can consume between 5% and 10% of the total electricity used in your home each year. This is like paying for a part of your house that you never even use. It’s a waste of energy and money that can be easily avoided.

How Much Money Can You Really Save?

It’s important to be realistic about what you can save by unplugging devices. “Unplugging won’t make you rich,” but it can certainly help you save some money. Depending on your home and the number of devices you have, you could save anywhere from $100 to $200 per year. That’s a significant amount of money that can be put toward other things.

To give you an idea of the costs, here is a look at what some common devices can cost you just by sitting there in “standby” mode:

• Gaming Console (like a PS5 or Xbox): This can cost you between $30 and $60 a year.
• Cable Box or Satellite Receiver: These devices are a big energy drain, costing anywhere from $40 to $80 each year.
• Coffee Maker (with a clock): Even a small appliance can add up, costing $10 to $15 per year.
• Laptop Charger (always plugged in): This costs a small amount, around $5 to $10 a year.
• TV and Soundbar: Together, these can cost between $25 and $50 a year.

When you multiply these costs across multiple devices in your home, you can see that it’s “real money—slowly bleeding out of your wallet.” Taking simple steps to stop this can help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Important Note: Don’t Unplug Everything!

Before you start “yanking every cord in sight,” it’s important to know that you should not unplug certain appliances. Safety and convenience are key.

• Refrigerator and Freezer: Do not unplug these unless you are moving or will be away for a very long time. Unplugging them will lead to spoiled food and a very messy cleanup. “Unless you want a smelly kitchen and destroyed groceries,” leave them alone.
• Medical Devices: Any devices that are critical for health, such as oxygen machines or CPAP machines, must “maintain them safe and powered” at all times.
• Wi-Fi Router: While you could set a schedule to turn this off at night, it’s often best to leave it on if you rely on it for work or other activities.
• Security Systems and Baby Monitors: These are important for safety and should not be unplugged. “Safety first.”
• Modem or Router (if you have smart home devices): Many smart home devices rely on a constant connection to the internet, so you should leave these plugged in.

Also, keep in mind that some devices, like a cable box, “take forever to reboot.” You should “weigh convenience vs. savings” before you decide to unplug something.

Clever and Simple Ways to Stop the Energy Drain

You don’t have to become an expert at unplugging everything. There are smart and easy ways to reduce your energy use without a lot of effort. “You don’t need to become an outlet ninja. Just get clever.”

1. Use Smart Power Strips: These are a great solution for an entertainment center or computer desk. They can “cut power to ‘slave’ devices when the major one stopping operation.” For example, if you turn off your TV, the strip will “kill power to [the] soundbar, game console, [and] streaming box.”
2. Group Devices on One Strip: A simple power strip can be a very helpful tool. You can plug all your kitchen appliances, like the coffee maker, toaster, and blender, into one strip and simply flip the switch to turn them all off at night. The same can be done for all the electronics in your entertainment center.
3. Unplug Chargers When Not in Use: This is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do. “Seriously—it takes two seconds. Make it a habit like brushing your teeth.”
4. Choose Devices with Low Standby Power: When you buy new electronics, look for the “ENERGY STAR® label.” These devices are designed to “limit standby use” and save you money in the long run. Also, look for devices that have a simple on/off switch instead of glowing indicator lights.
5. Adopt a Simple Rule: Try the “‘Last One Out’ Rule.” Before you go to bed or leave the house, do a quick check and ask yourself, “‘Did I turn off the non-essentials?’” Making this a habit can save you a lot of energy and money over time.