"Leaving Cables Plugged In Wastes Electricity" — The Vampire Draw Myth
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Do idle chargers and cables drain power? Yes, but far less than you think.
## The Myth
Leaving a phone charger plugged in (without a phone) wastes significant electricity.
## The Reality
Modern chargers draw **0.1-0.5 watts** when idle. That's:
- About **$0.50-$2 per year** per charger
- Less than the electricity used to make a cup of coffee
## Where Vampire Power Actually Matters
| Device | Idle Draw | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Phone charger (idle) | 0.1-0.5W | $0.50-$2 |
| Game console (standby) | 5-15W | $15-$45 |
| TV (standby) | 1-5W | $3-$15 |
| Desktop PC (sleep) | 2-10W | $6-$30 |
| Cable box (always on) | 20-35W | $60-$100 |
## The Takeaway
Unplugging chargers saves pennies. If you want to save on electricity:
1. Use smart power strips for entertainment centers
2. Turn off game consoles fully (not standby)
3. Replace old cable boxes with streaming devices
4. Don't worry about phone chargers