Many people are surprised to learn that several everyday household appliances continue to draw electricity even when they appear to be turned off.

These devices, often called “energy vampires,” use small amounts of standby power that gradually add up over time.

While each item may seem insignificant on its own, the combined effect can cost a typical household anywhere from $100 to $200 per year.

This hidden energy use not only leads to higher utility bills but also places unnecessary demand on home electrical systems.

One of the most common sources of standby energy use is the phone charger. Even when it is not connected to a device,

a plugged-in charger continues to draw a small but steady amount of electricity. Over the course of a year,

this can amount to roughly $9 for a single charger. Because most households have multiple chargers for phones, tablets,

and other portable devices, the total can easily reach $40 or more annually. Small kitchen appliances contribute to this pattern as well.

A coffee maker left plugged in may use around $22 each year, and other countertop appliances—such as slow cookers or multi-use cookers—may draw $25 or more simply by remaining connected to an outlet.

Entertainment and office equipment are also well-known for their standby consumption. Gaming consoles left in rest mode,

for example, can be among the biggest contributors to wasted electricity. In active households where consoles remain plugged in day and night,

the annual cost can exceed $100. Desktop computers, monitors, and printers can add another layer of energy use when they remain idle but powered. Over a year, these devices can contribute an additional $80 in energy consumption, especially if they are not set to energy-saving modes. Although the power used is small on a moment-to-moment basis, it becomes significant when multiplied across months.

When all these devices are combined, households may be spending over $140 a year on electricity that provides no practical benefit.

That amount of energy could power a full-size refrigerator for most of the year, and reducing standby power helps decrease unnecessary energy demand across the home.

Fortunately, reducing this waste is simple and convenient. Unplugging chargers,

appliances, and electronic devices when they are not in use can significantly reduce standby consumption.

Smart power strips offer another practical solution by automatically cutting off power to devices that enter standby mode.

By adopting just a few small habits, households can save more than 1,200 kWh annually, lower their electricity bills,

and reduce their environmental impact. These steps support long-term savings and help create a more efficient and mindful approach to home energy use.