There’s another kind of vampire that lurks in your home. It can’t be warded off with a clove of garlic, and it may be raising your energy bill.

Vampire energy, also known as standby energy, is power drawn from outlets when equipment is off but still plugged in. Many types of home electronics and office equipment, including mobile phone chargers, computers, printers and game consoles, continue to draw electricity while they are plugged in and turned off.

Avoid being drained with these tips:

• Use a power strip with an on/off switch to completely power down electronics at home.
• Unplug mobile phone chargers, portable music players and other electronics once they are fully charged.
• When preparing for out-of-town travel, always unplug all non-essential devices such as televisions and other electronics.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR^® label on home appliances, electronics and other products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.

Close the coffin for good with the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. It offers a variety of rebates, discounts and assessments to help homeowners, businesses and municipalities save more wisely.

Homeowners can also schedule a free ComEd Home Energy Assessment. An energy advisor will identify opportunities to save and offer free energy efficient products. Schedule an appointment at ComEd.com/Assessment or by calling 1-855-433-2700.

For more information on how ComEd helps customers save, residential customers can visit ComEd.com/HomeSavings, and business customers can visit ComEd.com/BizSavings.