This Halloween, Duke Energy Indiana is alerting customers about energy vampires, devices that are hidden users of energy even when switched off.
These kinds of devices continue to consume energy year-round, leading to higher electricity consumption and energy bills. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates standby power accounts for 5 percent to 10 percent of residential energy use, and could cost the average U.S. household as much as $100 per year.
As colder weather comes, small habit changes with home electronics can help cut costs. Customers can save money by finding energy vampires and making energy-efficient updates:
- Unplug unused electronics. Chargers, coffee machines and gaming consoles continue to draw small amounts of power when plugged in.
- Turn off Halloween lights and decorations during the day and overnight. Limit glowing Halloween décor to evening hours and remember to unplug them overnight.
- Use smart power strips. The power strips automatically cut off power to devices that go into standby mode.
- Upgrade to LED bulbs. LED bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
- Update appliance settings. Enable “energy saver” or sleep mode settings on applicable TVs, computers and appliances.
For additional ways to save energy and lower bills, click here.