The Energy Vampires

Did you know that your appliances can be using electricity even when they're turned off? Most modern electronics maintain a low-level "trickle charge" in their circuitry so that they will come on immediately instead of needing to warm up like old-fashioned televisions and radios. However, if you're not going to be using them for several days, it makes sense to unplug them to save that electricity.

Power adapters for cellphones and other rechargeable devices also draw power when plugged in, even if the actual device isn't plugged into them. Similarly, an extension cord left plugged in and coiled up but with nothing plugged into it can draw a surprising amount of current to maintain an electrical field within its length.