Believe it or not — your husband’s habit of unplugging everything does save electricity. And while it might seem like a small thing, those small things can quietly add up.
Many household appliances and electronics use what’s called “phantom” or “standby” power. That means even when they’re turned off, they’re still drawing electricity just by being plugged in. TVs, microwaves, chargers, coffee makers, game consoles — all can quietly sip power 24/7 if left plugged in.
Here’s a simple example:
A plugged-in phone charger that’s not charging anything might only draw a tiny bit of power. But multiply that by every device in your house, every single day, every week, every year… and your electricity bill starts reflecting it.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, phantom energy can account for 5% to 10% of your total residential energy use. That can mean $100–$200 per year, depending on how many devices you leave plugged in.
If constantly unplugging everything seems like a hassle, power strips with an on/off switch can make it much easier to cut off multiple devices at once — especially in entertainment centers or home offices.
So yes, unplugging does save electricity.
And your husband?
He might just be ahead of the curve.
