Halloween is the spookiest time of year… which makes it the best time to slay those energy vampires lurking inside your home!

What are we talking about?! Energy vampires are evil ghouls that suck electrical power from your appliances even when you’re not using them. And they can take a big bite out of your wallet, adding an extra 10-20% onto your monthly electricity bill.

The good news is that these vampires can be found and banished for good. Follow these scaringly effective strategies for slaying your energy vampires and saving money!

1. Remember to Unplug – Make sure you unplug devices or appliances that you don’t use often and those that are easy to reach. Coffee makers, toasters, microwaves, TVs, hair dryers, space heaters, and other small and large appliances can draw energy while not in use and add to your monthly bill.

2. Use Power Strips – Power strips let you toggle the power flow on and off. This means you can control the usage of clusters of devices so that they’re not consuming electricity when you’re not at home. Using a light switch that turns power outlets on and off, if you have one, accomplishes the same end with even less effort.

3. Curb Idle Time – Set your computer to sleep mode or power it down when you’re not using it. Do the same with your video game console instead of leaving it paused for a prolonged period.

4. Make Smart Upgrades – When it comes time to send your old electronics and appliances to the graveyard, consider replacing them with ENERGY STAR devices. They have a lower standby consumption than your average device and use less energy all around.

Want to learn more?! Visit https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver to learn more tricks that will help you save throughout the year!