One of the scariest surprises this Halloween season is hiding in plain sight. Vampire energy, or standby power, is the electricity used by your devices even when they’re turned off. These sneaky spirits don’t wear capes or fangs, but they do silently suck electricity from your outlets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy vampires can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy use, costing the average household around $100 a year. But fear not, these simple steps can help keep your energy bill from turning into a horror story.
- Know the Usual Suspects
- Devices with clocks, timers or sensors are prime offenders. Think of smart TVs, video game consoles, computers and kitchen appliances. Even printers and phone chargers can drain power when left plugged in.
- Unplug the Vampires
- Unplug devices and chargers when not in use, especially battery-powered electronics once they are fully charged.
- Use Power Strips
- Plug devices into surge protectors or advanced power strips with on/off switches. When the power strip is switched off, all plugged-in products are truly off.
- Use Smart Outlets
- Wi-Fi smart outlets or plugs let you control your devices from any location, allowing you to remotely turn your devices on or off, or set a timer to manage the energy of any device plugged into these outlets.
- Consider ENERGY STAR-Certified Products
- Many ENERGY STAR-certified home appliances, electronics and other products are energy efficient and use less power when on standby in comparison to non-ENERGY STAR-certified products.
- Essential equipment like life-support devices and refrigerators should always stay plugged in, but for everything else, consider what’s truly necessary.
“We know that at a time when energy costs are rising, energy-saving tips are critical for customers,” said Philip Roy, director of clean energy solutions at ComEd. “This Halloween season and year-round, we are working to educate and remind customers of simple ways they can save money by reducing their energy usage, which complements our robust program offerings that help customers save money and energy. For those dealing with rising energy bills now, ComEd also offers a range of bill-assistance options.”
ComEd provides a wide array of rebates on energy efficiency technologies. Explore ways to maximize your home energy savings by visiting ComEd.com/WaysToSave.
If you are struggling to pay your energy bill, visit ComEd.com/EnergySavings for payment assistance options.
