Vampire Energy: How Phantom Power Drains Your Bill (and How to Stop It)

Even when your lights are off and your TV is silent, many of your devices are still quietly using electricity. This hidden drain—known as vampire energy—can add up to surprising costs over time. Chargers, cable boxes, gaming consoles, and even coffee makers often draw power 24/7, even when you’re not using them. Let’s explore what vampire energy is and how you can keep it from causing your electricity bills to climb.

Vampire energy, also called phantom power, is the electricity that devices consume when they’re turned off but still plugged in. This hidden energy use supports standby functions such as Wi-Fi connectivity, digital clocks, instant-on settings, and motion sensors, keeping your devices ready at all times.

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), individual appliances in standby mode typically use between 0.5 and 30 watts (24 hours a day). While that may seem small, the combined effect of multiple devices running continuously can add up to a noticeable increase in your electric bill.

Many everyday devices and appliances use vampire energy, including:

In the average U.S. household, vampire energy can quietly drain ~$139 per year, depending on home size and the number of connected devices. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimate that standby power accounts for 5–10% of total residential electricity use nationwide. Even when you think everything is “off,” chargers, TVs, routers, and kitchen appliances continue to draw small amounts of electricity around the clock.

For example, the average American household has 65 devices that use approximately 770 kWh of phantom power each year. At the national average electricity rate of 18.07 ¢/kWh, that could add around $139 to your bill throughout the year.

There are several effective ways to stop vampire energy from quietly inflating your electric bill. The goal is simple: either cut power completely when devices aren’t in use or set them to a schedule so they automatically shut off. Here’s how to make the biggest impact in your home.

Unplug Low-Use Electronics and Chargers

The easiest way to save energy is to unplug devices that don’t need to stay plugged in. Chargers, small kitchen appliances, and LED-lit lamps often draw small amounts of electricity around the clock. Over time, that adds up. Unplugging them when not in use prevents wasted energy and can reduce standby costs.

Enable Power-Saving Modes on TVs, Consoles & Streaming Devices

Modern entertainment systems are designed for convenience, not efficiency. Features like instant-on or always ready keep devices in standby mode so they start faster, but they also use constant power. Activate built-in settings, such as Energy Saver, Eco Mode, or Sleep Mode, to limit standby power consumption.

Choose ENERGY STAR or Low-Standby Appliances

When replacing appliances or electronics, check for the ENERGY STAR® label. Certified models must meet strict energy-efficiency standards, often limiting standby power use to 1 watt or less. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, these models save energy every day they’re plugged in, helping lower long-term utility costs and reducing your household’s overall power footprint.

Use Advanced Power Strips for TV Setups

Advanced power strips (APS) are one of the best tools for reducing vampire energy in entertainment centers and home offices. These strips use a “master” outlet—typically your TV or computer—to control connected devices like soundbars, game consoles, or printers. When the main device turns off, the APS automatically cuts power to the others, preventing unnecessary standby draw.

Opt for Smart Plugs

Smart plugs make it easy to manage vampire energy without constantly unplugging devices. These Wi-Fi–enabled outlets let you control power from your phone or set schedules that automatically turn devices off at night or while you’re away. Depending on how many devices you connect, smart plugs can save around 10–50 kWh per month.

Time-of-Use Plans That Lower Off-Peak Waste

Vampire energy runs around the clock, so time-of-use (TOU) plans can make standby devices less expensive to run during off-peak hours. These plans charge lower rates when demand is low—typically overnight or on weekends—so even if your electronics use small amounts of power continuously, you’ll pay less for it when it matters most. Keep in mind that these electricity plans only benefit you if you can shift most of your electricity usage to the plan’s free or reduced usage hours.

Fixed-Rate Plans With Low Average kWh Rates

For households that prefer predictable pricing, a fixed-rate plan with a low average kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate can help control the impact of vampire energy on monthly bills. With stable pricing, it’s easier to see how hidden standby loads contribute to overall usage and plan for consistent costs throughout the year.

Plans and Apps With Usage Alerts or Smart Home Integrations

Modern electricity providers often include digital tools that give you more insight into your energy habits. Real-time dashboards and high-usage alerts can help you spot unusual patterns that may signal hidden standby draw. Smart integrations, such as connected thermostats and energy monitors, can automatically adjust settings or shut off devices when power isn’t needed, helping you manage vampire energy use with less manual monitoring.

Smart home technology makes it easier than ever to detect and reduce phantom power without constantly plugging and unplugging devices. These tools can automatically identify standby energy use, shut off power when it’s not needed, and give you real-time insights into where your electricity is going.

• Whole-home energy monitors track electricity use across your entire house and help pinpoint which devices draw power even when idle.
• Smart thermostats learn your schedule and temperature preferences, reducing unnecessary HVAC energy use when you’re away or asleep.
• Smart plugs and outlets can cut power to connected devices on a timer or via app-based automation.
• Smart power strips detect when a main device (like a TV or computer) is off and automatically shut down connected accessories.
• Smart lighting systems turn off unused lights and can sync with occupancy sensors or schedules to reduce wasted electricity.
• Smart appliance controllers connect to washers, dryers, or dishwashers, allowing you to delay or pause cycles during periods of low or high activity.

Monitoring standby power use helps you see where electricity is being wasted and how much it’s really costing you. With the right strategy and tools, you can pinpoint which devices are responsible for vampire energy and take steps to control it.

Identifying Hidden Drains With Meters & Apps

Use a plug-in watt meter or energy monitoring app to test one device at a time. Plug the device into the meter and record its energy use over 24 hours to see how much power it consumes when “off.” Multiply that by 30 days to see how much kWh it adds to your monthly bill.

Understanding Your kWh Breakdown

To estimate the cost of standby power, convert watts to kWh using this simple formula:
Watts × hours used ÷ 1,000 = kWh.

Then, multiply the result by your electricity rate. For example, if a group of small devices uses 50 watts around the clock, that’s 1.2 kWh per day, or about 36 kWh per month. At a national average of 18.07 cents per kWh, that equals about $6.51 in hidden energy costs each month. Need help calculating? Use Power Wizard’s kWh calculator tool to assist you.

Vampire energy may seem small on a per-device basis, but together, those hidden watts can quietly add up to real costs over time. The good news is that combining smart energy habits and technology can help you cut unnecessary power use without sacrificing convenience.

Having the right electricity plan can also reduce the impact of phantom power. Enter your ZIP code into our comparison tool today to view the electricity plans, providers, and rates in your area side by side.