Typically, the term vampire refers to mythological beings who subsist on the life essence of other living beings. However this is not the case when referring to vampire power. This term is much less magical and romanticized. Vampire power is the term for leaking electricity when an appliance or electronic device is in standby mode or in the state of disuse. This means that even if you're not using your DVD player, radio, coffee pot (etc...) these appliances are still using energy, burning fossil fuels, and adding to your power bill. Any appliance that has a light or clock will continue to consume extra power. Also leaving your various chargers (phone or laptop) plugged in when not charging your portable devices wastes precious energy too. Making a habit to unplug your cell phone or laptop as soon as it has a complete charge can both save energy and prolong a battery's life. (WOO!)
Wikipedia lists a number of devices that can consume standby power including several that surprised me: door bells, programmable thermostats, fire alarms, security systems, and automatic sprinklers. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to eliminate most of those standby energy users especially those related to safety and security.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce our energy consumption. Most computerized devices have settings that can be used to reduce the pull of standby energy consumption. Being informed about your purchases can also have an effect on energy consumption: newer power adapters are often more efficient, and battery-powered appliances are less efficient that the corded alternative. Another option is to buy a surge protector to plug many appliances and turn off when those appliances are not needed.
One of the reasons standby energy is becoming more significant in the US is the increased number of appliances people have in their households. Our society is seriously focused on consumerism and the accumulation of more goods.
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