Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity? The Truth About “Vampire Power” (And What to Do About It)

Here’s an amazing fact:

Your home might be awake even when you’re fast asleep.
Not from ghosts.
Not from your teenager sneaking snacks at midnight.
But from something sneakier:
Vampire power.

Standby power, the unseen trickle of electricity that enters gadgets even while they are off, goes by that unflattering moniker. Indeed, it is.

Your television? using energy when “off.”
Your coffee maker? imagining tomorrow’s brew—and utilizing power to make it happen.
The charger for your phone? Connected but without a phone? Juice is still being drawn.

What Is Vampire Power? (And Why It’s Stealing Your Money)

Also known as phantom load, standby power, or leaking electricity, this is the energy devices use when:

They’re “off” but still concerted

They’re on standby (like your TV waiting for the remote)

They have clocks, lights, or instant-on features

They’re charging… but nothing’s linked

Common culprits include:

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