Whether you like it or not, there’s a vampire raiding every corner of your household, and no amount of garlic can stop it! This “vampire” isn’t after your blood, though—it’s thirsty for your electricity and your wallet, too! But fear not, we’ve gathered some updated tips to help you slay these power-hungry parasites and save energy in the process.

What is “Vampire” Power?

Also known as standby power, the term refers to the energy consumed by devices and appliances that remain plugged into an outlet even when they’re not in use or are in “power off mode.” Yes, you read that right—your toaster, coffee maker, microwave, TV, computer chargers, cell phone chargers, and the list goes on, are all culprits. How many appliances and gadgets do you currently have plugged in?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2023, the average U.S. household consumed 10,204 kWh annually, or roughly 850 kWh per month. A portion of that consumption is due to vampire power, which can account for up to 5-10% of your electricity bill. On a global scale, vampire devices contribute approximately 1% of worldwide CO2 emissions​.

Feeling spooked? Don’t worry! We’ve got 4 easy and efficient tactics to help you fend off these energy loafers:

1. 👏Unplug👏Unplug👏Unplug

We’re all guilty of it—grabbing our devices right off the charger once we see the fully charged battery icon. But if your device is no longer charging, it’s time to unplug the charger. The same applies to electric toothbrushes, kitchen appliances, and other gadgets you use daily. Get into the habit of unplugging to avoid wasted energy.

2. Use power strips

Power strips are one of the easiest ways to stop your electronics from drawing power when not in use. You can connect multiple devices to one strip—like your TV, gaming console, and sound system—and with a flip of a switch, power them down all at once. Smart power strips are even better, automatically cutting off power to idle devices and saving you from manual switching.

3. Skip the screensaver

Sure, that slideshow of your family vacation looks great on your computer, but screensavers don’t actually save energy. In fact, they can keep your computer working harder. Instead, enable sleep mode or “power save” settings if you step away for more than a few minutes. It’s a simple change that can save energy and extend your device’s lifespan.


4. Make the switch to Energy Star products when shopping for appliances and electronics

Ready for an appliance upgrade? Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for new electronics, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and more. These products are designed to use less energy while maintaining performance, which translates to lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint. Even upgrading your light bulbs to energy-efficient LEDs can make a difference!

So, channel your inner Buffy and start slaying those energy vampires! Follow these updated tactics to cut back on electricity usage, lower your utility bills, and reduce harmful CO2 emissions. Your wallet—and the planet—will thank you.