House & Home
Thu, January 29, 2026
Wed, January 28, 2026
Taming 'Vampire Power': Simple Solutions for Your Home
//house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/2 .. ampire-power-simple-solutions-for-your-home.html
Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 7:30 GMT by 
CNETLocales:
Streaming Devices (Roku, Apple TV, etc.): These devices are designed to be always-on, ready to stream at a moment's notice, and consume noticeable energy in standby. Smart Speakers: Always listening for voice commands, smart speakers are consistent energy users. Printers: Maintaining internal systems and awaiting print jobs, printers can contribute to phantom load. Digital Alarm Clocks: Despite their small size, these devices continuously draw power to keep time. Battery Chargers for Power Tools/Devices: Even when no battery is connected, these chargers often have an active power supply.
What can you do to fight back?
Unplugging devices, as the original article suggests, is the most effective method. However, it's not always practical to constantly plug and unplug everything. Here are some alternative solutions:
- Power Strips: Grouping electronics on power strips allows you to cut off power to multiple devices with a single switch. This is particularly useful for entertainment centers or home offices.
- Smart Power Strips: These advanced power strips can detect when a "master" device (like a TV) is turned off and automatically cut power to connected "slave" devices (like a DVD player or gaming console).
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: When replacing appliances, look for models with low standby power consumption. Energy Star-certified products are a good place to start.
- Consider Your Needs: Do you really need the convenience of instant-on features for every device? If not, consider turning off these features or opting for simpler, less power-hungry alternatives.
Looking ahead, advancements in energy management are offering promising solutions. Smart home systems are increasingly incorporating features that automatically manage standby power, learning your usage patterns and optimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, manufacturers are designing more energy-efficient power supplies and standby modes. However, until these technologies become fully ubiquitous, proactive measures like unplugging devices and utilizing power strips remain essential for minimizing "vampire power" and maximizing savings. In 2026, taking control of your energy usage isn't just about saving money - it's a conscious step toward a more sustainable future.
Read the Full CNET Article at:
[ https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/7-things-you-should-always-unplug-before-leaving-the-house/ ]
