Energy Vampires

Hidden energy vampires in your home quietly add to your energy usage—learn how to spot them and cut their power with a few simple habits

Autumn has arrived—bringing cool breezes, golden leaves, and more time spent indoors. But as you settle in for scary movie marathons, something spooky could be lurking in your home: energy vampires. These culprits quietly use electricity even when you think they’re off.

Also known as phantom loads or parasitic loads, these power suckers hide all over your house. Their favorite “coffin”? Your entertainment center. Most smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and even old-school DVD players stay partially on, ready for your next binge session.

The scary truth: Studies show that 5% to 10% of the average home’s electricity use comes from phantom loads. For a typical U.S. household using about 10,700 kWh per year, that means 700–1,000 kWh annually—just from devices you’re not using! That’s enough to take a bite out of your holiday budgets.

How to Slay Energy Vampires
Unplug chargers and small electronics when not in use.
Use smart power strips that can be controlled via a smart device or voice assistant. They protect sensitive electronics from power surges and make it easy to shut down multiple devices at once.
Unplug game consoles, streaming devices, and TVs, so they are not in standby mode.

Don’t let vampires, phantoms, and parasites haunt your energy usage. A few simple steps can help keep your energy costs in check and make the holiday season more enjoyable!