Leaving certain appliances plugged in while you're away can quietly inflate your utility bills, according to energy experts. On average, homeowners waste about 35% of the power they use annually, says Daniel Mock, VP of Operations at Mister Sparky. Much of that waste comes from "vampire" devices that draw power even when switched off.
Small kitchen gadgets, smart home devices, lights, and fans are common culprits. Clement Feng, VP of Product Management at Briggs & Stratton Energy Solutions, notes that items with digital displays, like coffee makers and air fryers, pull power even in standby mode. Glenn Lewis, President of Mr. Appliance, a Neighborly company, suggests unplugging phone chargers when not in use and checking for warmth to detect energy drain.
Why Vampire Power Adds Up
Vampire power, also known as standby power, occurs when devices consume electricity even when turned off. This can happen with anything that has a clock, a remote control, or a continuous display. While individual devices may use only a few watts, the cumulative effect across a household can be significant. Mock explains that unplugging non-essential items before leaving home is a simple habit that reduces waste.
Smart home speakers like Alexa or Google Home, which are often left on for convenience, are prime examples. Lewis advises unplugging them when they aren't needed, especially during extended absences. He also recommends a quick test: if a device feels warm when turned off, it's still drawing power.
Lights and Fans: Easy Wins
Turning off lights when leaving a room is an obvious step, but Bill Taylor, HVAC Contractor Manager at South Jersey Gas & Elizabethtown Gas, emphasizes that making it a habit can lower consumption. Similarly, fans and air purifiers should be unplugged when no one is home, as Mock points out, since there's no need to cool or filter an empty space.
For those unsure which devices are energy hogs, Feng recommends using a power consumption meter to measure actual usage. "Appliances can be deceiving because size doesn't necessarily determine energy consumption," he says. Testing with a meter provides concrete data to guide unplugging decisions.
While the savings from unplugging may vary, the cumulative effect of reducing vampire power can be noticeable on monthly bills. Simple habits like unplugging before leaving for work or vacation can add up over time.
