Beware of Energy Vampires This Halloween
It’s spooky season once again. This time of year, your neighborhood is probably covered in eerie décor and surrounded by ghosts, witches and spirits. What you may not notice lurking around are energy vampires – household devices that continue to use energy even when they are turned off. According to the Department of Energy, energy vampires – often called phantom energy or standby power – could account for up to 10% of the average home’s energy consumption, costing as much as $100 per year.
Preventing phantom power from haunting your home can make a big impact on your monthly electric bill. Take these easy steps to keep energy vampires from sucking energy from your home and money from your wallet:
Kitchen – It’s easy to forget to turn off or unplug appliances after you’re done using them. By making a habit of unplugging the toaster and microwave and turning off the coffee pot before you head out the door, the energy savings will start to add up.
Living Room – Older cable boxes, DVRs and other electronics use lots of energy when they are turned off. Consider using power strips to plug in your devices and easily turn them all off when needed.
Bedroom – Just as the living room, keep in mind any cable boxes and DVRs you have set up in your bedroom. When you’re sleeping may be the most convenient time to charge your cell phone, but don’t forget to unplug when you’re done.
Bathroom – Many of us are in a rush as we get ready for the day. From brushing our teeth to shaving or blow drying and curling our hair, the bathroom is a prime spot for energy vampires to hide. While most of these devices have power switches, they’re still draining energy and costing you money when they’re turned off. Always unplug them when you’re done.
Home office – Working from home has become the new normal for many of us, which means we have computers, monitors and other devices plugged in every day. Keeping these plugged in and turned on, even when you’re off the clock, adds to your electric bill.
Scaring Energy Vampires Away
Unlike Halloween, energy vampires don’t come around just once a year; they’re constantly creeping in and around your home. By adopting some simple energy-saving solutions, you can better manage your usage and electricity costs all year long.
For more tips and resources to save energy and money, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy.
CONTACT: Brooke Conlan, 330-807-7564