Duke Energy Indiana shares tips for warding off energy vampires

This Halloween, Duke Energy is reminding its Indiana customers of the scary reality of energy “vampires” – appliances and electronics lurking throughout homes using energy 24/7, even when they’re turned off, idle or in standby mode.

The vampires

• TVs, cell phone chargers, coffee makers – almost any device with an external power supply, internal battery, remote control, continuous display (including an LED), or constant network connection can be considered an energy vampire.
• There can be up to 40 in a typical home, making up roughly 5 percent to 10 percent of a residential customer’s total energy use.

Warding them off

Fortunately, there are quick, simple actions they can take to ward off these silent energy – and money – suckers:

• Unplug some devices when they’re not being used, especially in places like guest rooms that may not be visited regularly
• Use smart power strips that automatically cut off power to devices when they’re not being used
• Enable energy-saving settings, such as sleep mode, that are already built into some devices and help reduce idle time
• Choose energy-efficient replacements when the time comes, including ENERGY STAR® products and newer technology – with the energy savings created, they often pay for themselves

Pinegar

“Pulling the plug on energy vampires is a way for our customers to manage their energy use,” Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar said. “While each of these devices may not draw a substantial amount of electricity on their own, together they can add up and have a noticeable impact on bills.”

For more information about Duke Energy Indiana’s energy efficiency programs, as well as low- and no-cost ways to help manage energy use, please visit duke-energy.com/savings.