It’s spooky season, and it’s time to slay those energy vampires — the electronic gadgets, appliances, and other devices that draw energy when they’re plugged in but not in use.

Here are four tips to keep these monsters at bay.

In the home office

• After you sign off, your home office laptops and PCs are still on the job. Shut them – along with your printers, scanners, and other equipment – down and save.

In the family room

• Popular gaming systems use energy, even when they’re in standby mode. Next time you put down the controller, shut the system down.

In the kitchen

• If you’re not using an appliance, make sure it’s turned off. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this simple act can save you between $10 and $20 per year in energy costs.

Everywhere you charge

• Your phone, laptop and tablet are using energy whenever they’re plugged in, even if they’re fully charged. Once the meter hits 100 percent, unplug your device to save.