What Is Vampire Energy?

What does vampire energy mean?

Vampire energy is power wasted by electronics or appliances plugged in but not in use. These forgotten power sources add up quickly and can drive up your electricity bill. The Department of Energy estimates that standby power accounts for 5%–10% of residential electricity and can cost up to $100 a year for the average household. SaveOnEnergy can help you learn more about how to reduce vampire energy in your home or business.

How many devices are in the average U.S. household?

According to a 2023 study from Parks Associates, the average US household contains 17 connected devices. These devices include phones, computers, tablets, and televisions that use the Internet. Considering most households also use appliances such as coffee makers and toasters, the number of potential energy vampires in your home could be even higher. A large number of devices consuming energy in your home will likely lead to a higher electricity bill. To trim down your monthly electricity bill, consider which energy vampires cost you the most.

The rising cost of residential electricity

Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) further presses the impact of energy vampires. Over the last 13 years, the average residential cost of electricity has risen 41.5%. With more electronics readily available and the increased cost of electricity, eliminating energy vampires in your home is more important than ever.

Caption: Average residential cost of electricity over the last 13 years.

Which appliances use vampire energy?

If you think devices in low power mode or standby aren’t using up electricity — think again. Even when you aren’t using certain common household electronics (including your computer, cable box, and video game system), they consume power when plugged into electricity sockets.

While energy vampires can be an issue throughout your home, the main culprit is most likely your living room or home office. Living rooms and offices are typically filled with multiple devices plugged in 24 hours a day. Explore a few examples of where energy vampires may lurk in your home.

Caption: Learn how many devices are left plugged in and forgotten in the average home.

How to reduce vampire energy consumption

Reducing the amount of vampire energy in your home or workplace isn’t difficult. A few adjustments can eliminate extra energy use from your devices, helping you save money on your electricity bill.

• Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. Identify appliances or electronics in your home that you only rely on for a short time and create a habit of unplugging them after you use them. Some examples include a coffee maker, computer charger, toaster, game console, or night lights.
• Use timed power strips. These strips allow you to set a timer and control how much power your devices use. You can also shut the entire power strip off to combat multiple devices at once.
• Turn your devices off. Electronics in standby or sleep mode are still draining power. Turn off devices you aren’t using to decrease electricity costs.
• Turn off lights and switch to LED light bulbs. Try to turn off lights in rooms when you don’t need them. You can also switch to LED light bulbs, which use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient products use less energy than standard models. ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that identifies which products meet its strict energy efficiency standards.