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PBS News Hour

Are ‘vampire devices’ draining energy in your home?

Season 2025 Episode 277 | 5m 04s

Many people leave electronic devices plugged in when they’re not in use without a second thought. But everyday items that drain energy even when they’re turned off, like coffee machines, video game consoles and laptop chargers, account for 5 to 10% of nationwide home energy use. Stephanie Sy speaks with Alexis Abramson, dean of the Climate School at Columbia University, to learn more.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 26:45
PBS News Hour
October 4, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
October 4, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Episode: S2025 E277 | 26:45
Watch • 6:38
PBS News Hour
Analyzing the sticking points of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Former Middle East negotiator analyzes sticking points of Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Clip: S2025 E277 | 6:38
Watch • 2:11
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: 6 suspects questioned over UK synagogue attack
News Wrap: Authorities question 6 suspects linked to Manchester synagogue attack
Clip: S2025 E277 | 2:11
Watch • 7:30
PBS News Hour
What to know about RFK Jr.’s efforts to address long COVID
What to know about RFK Jr.’s efforts to address long COVID research and treatments
Clip: S2025 E277 | 7:30
Watch • 1:56
PBS News Hour
Meet the makers of the world’s most expensive cheese
Meet the artisanal makers of the world’s most expensive cheese
Clip: S2025 E277 | 1:56
Watch • 4:40
PBS News Hour
The pawpaw: America's forgotten fruit finds new popularity
The pawpaw: America's forgotten native fruit finds new popularity
Clip: S2025 E276 | 4:40
Watch • 7:52
PBS News Hour
Utah art project spotlights Great Salt Lake’s fragile future
Utah art project spotlights Great Salt Lake’s fragile future
Clip: S2025 E276 | 7:52
Watch • 12:43
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Capehart on shutdown and political dysfunction
Brooks and Capehart on political dysfunction and the government shutdown
Clip: S2025 E276 | 12:43
Watch • 5:09
PBS News Hour
Shutdown puts further strain on air traffic control system
Shutdown puts further strain on already understaffed air traffic control system
Clip: S2025 E276 | 5:09
Watch • 4:40
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: U.S. forces destroy another boat near Venezuela
News Wrap: U.S. forces destroy another suspected drug boat near Venezuela
Clip: S2025 E276 | 4:40