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Energy Vampires Cost Households $200: Unplug to Save!

2/15/2026

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Energy vampires cost households $100–$200 and account for 5–10% of energy use.
A recent experiment found DirecTV cable box to be the largest offender, drawing 19.9 watts when off.
A desktop PC can draw up to 3.1 watts in sleep mode.
A Nintendo Switch can draw 0.8 watts when off.
Experts say unplug chargers when not in use and use smart power strips, which can cut vampire power by 95%.

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Story summary

Energy vampires cost households $100–$200 and account for 5–10% of energy use.
A recent experiment found DirecTV cable box to be the largest offender, drawing 19.9 watts when off.
A desktop PC can draw up to 3.1 watts in sleep mode.
A Nintendo Switch can draw 0.8 watts when off.
Experts say unplug chargers when not in use and use smart power strips, which can cut vampire power by 95%.