(pronounced VAM-pIre ih-lehk-TRAH-nihks)

No, this term doesn’t refer to the iPod that would probably be found in the pocket of Edward, the modern, blood-sucking sex symbol of the insanely popular series Twilight. Rather, it describes all of the appliances and electronic gadgets we constantly leave plugged, which, even though they may be switched in the OFF position, still suck energy. This scary stat will make your blood run cold: Up to 40% of power drawn by vampire electronics is wasted in standby mode. Get to unplugging, baby, if you want to save some dough. Also referred to as phantom load.