What Is “Vampire Power”?
The short answer is yes—unplugging some appliances can save electricity, but the amount depends entirely on the device.
This phenomenon is known as vampire power, standby power, or phantom load. Even when an appliance appears to be turned off, it may continue drawing a small amount of electricity if it’s still plugged in. This power is used for features such as:
- Digital clocks or displays (such as on microwaves or ovens)
- Remote-control sensors (such as on televisions or sound systems)
- External power adapters (“wall warts”) for phones or laptops
- Standby modes that allow devices to start up quickly
The Science
A single modern phone charger typically uses very little electricity when left plugged in—often so little that it costs only a small amount over an entire year. However, older electronics, gaming consoles, desktop computers, cable boxes, and some entertainment systems can consume noticeably more standby power.
Collectively, standby power can account for up to about 10% of a typical household’s electricity use, depending on the number and type of devices in the home.
