Unplug These 15 Energy Vampires And Save Hundreds on Your Electric Bill

Many of us don’t realize that our homes are full of devices that use electricity even when we’re not actively using them. These sneaky power-drainers, often called “energy vampires,” can make our energy bills higher than they need to be. 

On average, American households spend about $2,200 each year on energy bills according to the Department of Energy. Surprisingly, around 10% of that cost comes from devices that are plugged in but not actively being used.

I’ve written about these energy vampires in our article “15 Mostly Easy Ways To Lower Your Monthly Electric Bill” which you can check out for effective energy saving tips. 👉We also made this video with more tips to save on electricity💪

Now, we’ll look at 15 common devices that might be adding unnecessary costs to your energy bill. We’ll explain how much power they use and how much money you could save by unplugging them when they’re not in use. 

Let’s get started and see how we can keep more money in your pocket! 

Phone Charger

Many of us leave our phone chargers plugged in all the time, even when we’re not charging our phones. A typical phone charger uses about 1.2 watts of power when it’s plugged in but not charging anything. 

This might only cost you about $1 per year, but it’s an easy habit to change. When you unplug your fully charged phone, try to remember to unplug the charger too. It’s a small step that can add up to savings over time. 

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EV Charger

If you own an electric vehicle, you’re already making a great choice for the environment. But did you know your EV charger can use energy even when it’s not charging your car? An idle EV charger typically uses 10-20 watts of power. 

This can add up to $10-$20 in annual savings if you unplug it when your vehicle is fully charged. It’s a simple habit to develop: once your car is charged, unplug the charger until you need it again. This small step can lead to noticeable savings over time.

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TV Set-Top Box

Your cable or satellite box is likely one of the biggest energy users in your home, even when you’re not watching TV. These boxes use between 15-30 watts when they’re on, and 10-20 watts when they’re in standby mode. 

By turning them off completely when you’re not using them, you could save up to $100 a year. Try plugging your set-top box into a power strip that you can easily switch off when you’re done watching TV. 

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TV

Your TV keeps using power even when it’s turned off, as long as it’s still plugged in. Most newer TVs use between 1-5 watts in standby mode. Unplugging your TV when you’re not using it could save you $1-$5 per year. 

While that might not sound like much, it’s an easy way to cut down on wasted energy. The simplest solution is to unplug your TV or use a power strip to cut the power completely when you’re not watching.

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Laptop

It’s common to leave laptops plugged in all the time, but this habit wastes energy and can be bad for your laptop’s battery. A laptop typically uses 5-20 watts when it’s charging. If you leave it plugged in unnecessarily, it could cost you about $2 extra per year. 

To save energy and help your battery last longer, try to unplug your laptop once it’s fully charged. Only plug it in again when the battery is getting low. 

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Desktop Computers

Desktop computers can be significant energy users, even in standby mode. A typical desktop uses about 9.5 watts in standby, which can cost around $12 per year if left plugged in constantly. 

To save this energy, try shutting down your computer completely when you’re done using it, especially overnight or if you’ll be away for a while. It’s an easy habit that can lead to real savings.

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Devices with Clocks

Look around your kitchen. How many appliances do you see with digital clocks? Your microwave, oven, coffee maker, and other devices with clocks typically use about 1.2 watts all the time just to keep those clocks running. 

This can add up to around $10 in extra costs each year. While it might not be practical to unplug everything all the time, consider unplugging appliances you don’t use every day, or when you go on vacation. Every bit of energy saved helps lower your bills and is better for the environment.

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Power Tool Chargers

Many of us keep our power tool chargers plugged in all the time, ready for when we need them. These chargers for items like drills or lawn mowers use about 5-10 watts even when no tool is attached. 

By unplugging them when not in use, you could save $5-$10 per year. Next time you finish a project, take a moment to unplug your chargers. Your tools will still be ready when you need them, but you won’t be paying for power you’re not using.

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Clocks and TVs in Guest Rooms

Guest rooms often sit unused for long periods, but the electronics in them keep using power. A TV in standby mode uses 1-5 watts, while a clock uses about 1.2 watts. Together, these could cost you $2-$6 annually if left plugged in all the time. 

Unless you have frequent guests, consider unplugging these devices. You can easily plug them back in when visitors arrive, saving energy in the meantime.

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Blenders 

That blender sitting on your counter might seem harmless, but it’s using 1-2 watts of power just by being plugged in. While this only amounts to $1-$2 in annual savings, it’s an easy fix. 

If you don’t use your blender daily, try storing it unplugged and only plug it in when you need it. It’s a small change that can contribute to your overall energy savings.

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Game Consoles

Gaming consoles are fun, but they can be energy hogs. In standby mode, they typically use 10-20 watts, potentially costing you about $15 annually. 

When you’re done gaming, try turning off the console completely instead of leaving it in standby mode. This simple step can save you money and energy without affecting your gaming experience.

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Printers

Most of us don’t print every day, but many leave printers plugged in all the time. A printer in standby mode uses about 5-10 watts, which can add up to $10 in annual savings if unplugged when not in use. 

Unless you print daily, try unplugging your printer after each use. You’ll save energy without any inconvenience.

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Wireless Routers

In our connected world, wireless routers are almost always on. They typically use 5-10 watts of power continuously, which can add up to $10-$15 in annual energy costs. 

While you might not want to unplug your router frequently, consider turning it off when you’re away for extended periods or overnight if you don’t need constant connection. You could use a timer to automate this process and save energy without any inconvenience. But then again, that timer consumes power.

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Speakers and Sound Systems

Your sound system might be ready to play at a moment’s notice, but that means it’s always using power. In standby mode, speakers and sound systems typically use 5-10 watts, costing about $10 per year. 

If you don’t use your sound system daily, try unplugging it when not in use. You’ll save energy without losing any sound quality when you do use it.

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Heated Blankets and Mattress Pads

Heated blankets and mattress pads can make cold nights more comfortable, but they can also use a significant amount of energy. These items typically use 50-100 watts while in use, which can add up to $20-$40 in annual energy costs. 

To save energy, make sure to unplug these items when you’re not using them. Even when turned off, they can draw a small amount of power if left plugged in. 

Your Path to Energy Savings

Now that you’ve seen these energy-draining culprits, it’s time to take action. Unplugging these devices when they’re not in use could save you between $75 and $250 annually. That’s money back in your pocket for things that truly matter to you.

Remember, every small change adds up. Start with one or two devices and build from there. Use power strips for convenience, make unplugging part of your daily routine, or invest in smart plugs to automate the process.

The best part? You’re not just saving money, you’re also doing your part for the environment. Using less energy means a smaller carbon footprint. It’s a win-win situation.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.