Even when homes appear quiet and devices are turned off, electricity is still quietly flowing through plugged-in appliances, a phenomenon known as “phantom” or “vampire” energy.
This hidden power drain occurs when devices such as phone chargers, televisions, microwaves, gaming consoles, and other electronics remain plugged in but not in use. Experts say this wasted electricity can account for 5% to 10% of household energy consumption, depending on the age and type of equipment. Alexis Abramson, dean of the Columbia Climate School, said, “Phantom energy depends on what kind of systems you have and how much they’ve improved over time.”
Matt Malinowski, director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s buildings program, explained that smart TVs connected to the internet with standby features can consume up to 40 watts of power even when off—almost 40 times the energy used by a regular television. Malinowski added that voluntary agreements between advocates and manufacturers are now aiming to reduce standby energy use in smart devices.
Phantom energy contributes to climate change because the electricity drawn by unused devices increases demand for power, often from sources that emit greenhouse gases. Aidan Charron, associate director of Global Earth Day, said while the effect may seem small on an individual utility bill, it becomes significant when multiplied across homes nationwide. He advised, “Just take a little step of unplugging the things that you’re not using. It will save you money and reduce emissions in the long run.”
Some of the main culprits are appliances that remain connected to power continuously, such as microwaves or clocks. Charron recommends simple steps, starting with unplugging phone chargers after use and moving on to other devices like unused lamps. For smart devices, he suggested disabling features that allow them to listen for signals while in standby mode, which helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
Experts emphasize that individual actions can make a substantial difference. Jonathan Gilligan, professor of earth and environmental science at Vanderbilt University, said small changes in households could reduce U.S. emissions by about 20% annually, equivalent to roughly 408 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Gilligan added that when individuals take visible steps to live sustainably, they influence others, potentially creating wider social norms for energy conservation.
“Even if people think their actions don’t matter, their choices can inspire others to reduce emissions,” Gilligan said. “The impact may be much stronger than a lot of people realize.”
By unplugging idle devices, adjusting settings on smart appliances, and taking small daily steps, households can save electricity, reduce costs, and contribute to long-term environmental benefits.