Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only things lurking in your home this Halloween. Some of your everyday electronics could be quietly draining electricity without you even realizing it. 

They’re called energy vampires, and unlike the creatures in scary movies, these are real. 

Energy vampires are electronic devices and appliances that continue using electricity even when they’re turned off. This is known as standby power, and while the amount of electricity consumed by a single device may seem small, it can add up over time. 

Meet the energy vampires hiding in plain sight 

You might be surprised by how many devices around your home are secretly devouring your electricity. 

• Televisions: Many TVs continue drawing power in standby mode so they can quickly respond to your remote. 

• Gaming consoles: Consoles with sleep or rest modes may continue using electricity to download updates, charge controllers or stay connected to the internet. 

• Phone and laptop chargers: Some chargers consume small amounts of electricity when plugged in, even without a device attached. 

• Coffee makers: Models with digital clocks, programmable timers or displays may use electricity even when they’re not brewing. 

• Smart home devices: Smart speakers, voice assistants and other connected devices often remain powered on to listen for commands or maintain connectivity. 

• Printers: Some printers draw electricity while in standby mode, waiting for the next print job. 

• Cable boxes and streaming devices: These devices may continue running in the background to receive updates or maintain a connection. 

• Microwaves: That convenient digital clock and display can consume electricity around the clock. 

How to keep energy vampires from haunting your electric bill 

The good news? You don’t need garlic or a wooden stake to stop these energy vampires. A few simple habits can help reduce unnecessary electricity use. 

Unplug when you’re done. Disconnect chargers and electronics that don’t need to remain plugged in, especially when you’re away for an extended period. 

Put power strips to work. Plug entertainment systems, computer accessories and other electronics into a switched power strip to turn off multiple devices at once. 

Get smart with smart plugs. Smart plugs allow you to remotely control connected devices or set schedules to automatically turn them off when they’re not needed, helping reduce unnecessary electricity use.  

Check your settings. Enable energy-saving features on TVs, gaming consoles and computers, and turn off unnecessary instant-on or standby functions. 

Choose energy-efficient devices. When shopping for new electronics, look for ENERGY STAR-certified products designed to use less energy. 

Know what needs to stay connected. Not every device should be unplugged. Internet routers, security systems and certain smart home devices may need continuous power to function properly. 

Don’t let energy vampires give you a fright! 

This Halloween, take a few minutes to look around your home and identify electronics that may be using electricity unnecessarily. Small changes to your everyday habits can help reduce wasted energy and keep your electric bill from becoming the scariest part of the season. 

The trick? Spot the energy vampires. The treat? A more energy-efficient home.