No, not the Twilight variety of vampires, but all those cell phone chargers, computer printers and game consoles you've got at home. Most of us don't realize that these devices leech energy whether they are in use or not.

In fact, according to U.S. Department of Energy, every one of us has between 20 to 50 of these things. The cost? For the average homeowner, over the course of one year, the equivalent of one month’s electric bill.

This Minneapolis Star Tribune article has more info: Electrical Bites.

So what to do? You can unplug everything, or you can use an energy saving Smart Strip, which automatically cuts power to certain outlets. The model pictured also acts as a surge protector and comes with a connected equipment warranty.

Keep the vampires away! Energy Saver Six Outlet Surge Protector.