Empowering Communities

Beware of the Power Vampires Lurking in Your Home this Halloween

October 31, 2017
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In the dead of night, while you are peacefully asleep, your house might be swarming with pesky little energy stealers known as Power Vampires.

Power Vampires continuously consume small amounts of electricity whether your electronic devices are on or off. The most common household appliances can account for as much as 10 percent of a home’s overall energy usage.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household spends $100 per year to power plugged-in electronics and appliances while they are off or in standby mode.

ComEd offers the following tips to fight off those scary Power Vampires:

  • Unplug electronics when they are not in use to save electricity. Consumer electronics can consume up to 40 percent of their electricity while they are turned off or in “standby” mode.
  • Use an advanced power strip from the ComEd Marketplace, which can help drop your electric bill and power down electronics when not in use.
  • Unplug your mobile phone charger, portable music player or other electronics once they are fully charged.
  • If you are heading away on a trip, don’t forget to unplug all nonessential devices.
  • Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances, electronics and other products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Don’t let Power Vampires take a bite out of your wallet, fight back!

For more information on energy-saving tips, tools and rebates, visit ComEd.com/HomeSavings for residential customers and ComEd.com/BizSavings for business customers.