Beware of Energy Vampires!

This Halloween, a hidden terror could be creeping around your home. These silent menaces never sleep and lurk in every room, wreaking havoc on your energy usage! We’re talking about energy vampires—electronic devices that slowly feed on electricity even when they are turned off but still plugged in.

The glowing light that remains on when a device is pow­ered off is a tell-tale sign of an unwelcome power sucker. Electronics chargers, computers and devices that turn on instantly via remote control are common culprits.

Individually, these voltage vampires use only small amounts of electricity, but they can collectively account for as much as 10% on the average monthly electric bill, reports the U.S. Department of Energy.

To slay your energy vampires and save money, try using some of these tactics:

1. Unplug. When not in use or fully charged, devices such as cellphones, coffee makers, gaming systems and even rechargeable toothbrushes should be unplugged.
2. Use power strips. Shut off power with the flip of a switch when you plug multiple devices into a strip. If you use a smart power strip, it will automatically turn off idle electronics.
3. Put them to sleep. Activate the sleep mode on your computer or set other electronics into power-saving mode to minimize their electricity consumption after a certain amount of inactivity.
4. Make smart upgrades. Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances. They can use half as much energy as other appliances.

Slay the energy vampires in your home and reap energy savings—no wooden stakes or garlic required.