This Halloween, Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky are reminding customers of the scary reality of energy “vampires.” These appliances and electronics – TVs, cell phone charges, coffee makers and more – lurk throughout homes, using energy 24/7, even when they’re turned off, idle or in standby mode.
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. A typical home often has upward of 40 of them, making up roughly 5% to 10% of a residential customer’s total energy use.
Fortunately, there are quick, simple actions customers can take to ward off these silent energy – and money – suckers:
▪ Unplug 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
“Saving energy doesn’t have to mean making big changes. Something as simple as unplugging energy vampires can help,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio & Kentucky. “Each device may use only a little electricity, but together they can add up, impacting your energy use.”
For more information about energy efficiency programs, as well as low- and no-cost ways to help manage energy use, please visit duke-energy.com/EnergyEfficiency.