4 Easy DIY Checks for Savings
Have you ever looked at your monthly electric bill and wondered why it’s so high—even during months when you weren't blasting the AC or cranking up the heat?
The culprit might not be what you’re using. It might be what you think is turned off.
Across the average Paulding County household, dozens of devices draw power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, simply by remaining plugged into the wall. SurePoint Electric electricians call this phantom load, vampire draw, or standby power.
According to EnergySage, standby power accounts for 5% to 10% of total residential energy use, costing the average household anywhere from $100 to over $180 every year. That is essentially paying for an extra month of electricity for devices you aren't even actively using!
Here is a breakdown of what phantom load is, which appliances are the biggest culprits, and how you can stop wasting money today.
What Exactly Is Phantom Load?
When you press the power button on your TV or turn off your coffee maker, it feels like the device stops drawing power. But unless you physically pull the plug or turn off the outlet, many modern electronics shift into a low-power "standby" state instead.
Devices draw phantom power for a few main reasons:
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Remote Readiness: Staying on standby so they can react instantly when you press a button on a remote control.
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Digital Displays & Clocks: Powering internal clocks, timers, and LED status lights (like on microwaves or coffee pots).
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Constant Connectivity: Maintaining a Wi-Fi connection to download automatic updates or record scheduled TV shows.
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Transformer Heat: Power bricks and chargers (like laptop or phone chargers) that transform AC voltage to DC continue converting energy, and emitting small amounts of heat, even when no device is connected.
The Biggest Energy Vampires in Your Home
Not all plugged-in electronics are created equal. Some draw a negligible fraction of a watt, while others draw power equivalent to leaving a lightbulb burning around the clock.
(Note: Annual costs vary based on local electric utility rates and the exact model of your electronics).
4 Easy Ways to Slay Vampire Draw
You don't have to wander around your house in the dark unplugging every single appliance every night. A few smart adjustments can eliminate most of your phantom load with minimal effort:
1. Upgrade to Advanced Power Strips (Smart Strips)
Entertainment centers and home office desks are primary hot spots for vampire load. Advanced power strips feature a master outlet (for your TV or primary computer monitor). When you turn off the master device, the power strip automatically cuts power to auxiliary outlets (like soundbars, game consoles, or printers).
2. Disable "Instant On" Modes
Many modern gaming consoles and TVs default to a high-power standby setting so they turn on a few seconds faster. Switching your settings to "Energy Saver" or "Eco Mode" reduces standby power draw down to less than 0.5 watts while keeping your device just as capable.
3. Install Smart Outlets or Timers
For items like coffee makers or guest room electronics, smart outlets let you schedule automatic shutoffs. You can set your coffee maker to power on 10 minutes before your alarm goes off in the morning and cut off completely during the afternoon and night.
4. Unplug Guest Room & Secondary Electronics
Second refrigerators, guest bedroom TVs, spare microwave ovens, and seasonal appliances draw phantom power every single day, even if they're only used a few times a year. Unplugging devices in infrequently used rooms is an immediate win for your energy bill.
Need Help Lowering Your Home's Energy Bills?
Tackling phantom load is one of the easiest DIY steps you can take to trim your monthly electric bill. However, if your utility bills remain unusually high, your home may have underlying electrical inefficiencies, outdated wiring, or overloaded circuits.
At SurePoint Electric, our licensed electricians help homeowners keep their electrical systems running safely and efficiently. Whether you need smart switch installations, whole-home surge protection, electrical panel upgrade or an electrical safety audit, we've got you covered.
Call SurePoint Electric at (678) 951-5364 to schedule a home electrical inspection or discuss energy-saving upgrades for your home!