It may be the most frightful time of year, but there are ghastly ghouls that lurk in your home all year long. What are these creepy creatures? Electronic devices and appliances in standby or idle mode — known as energy vampires — that constantly draw power. This phantom energy can account for 20% of your total household electricity use.
Stave off energy vampires with these four tips:
Pull the Plug
One of the simplest ways to ensure a device isn’t using electricity is to unplug it. Think about how many charging bricks, appliances and electronic items you have plugged in right now. Most American homes average more than 50 devices. They could be drawing power even when they’re not actively in use.
Power Strip = Power Savings
With the flip of a switch, power strips allow you to shut several devices off without unplugging them. Some smart power strips allow you to schedule devices to turn on only at specific times and can also provide insights into how much energy the electronics plugged into them are using.
Shoot for the (Energy) Stars
When shopping, look for appliances and electronics that carry the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR®-certified products meet strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, helping you save money and energy.
Draw From Your Dashboard
Your Energy Dashboard offers valuable insight into what equipment or appliances use the most power in your home. You can also find personalized energy-efficiency tips and ways to lower your electricity use.
Thirsty for more energy savings? Sink your teeth into these tips:
Just moved into a new condo. I’m very surprised how high my electric bill is now just for the two of us.
I love the suggestions, and especially the “pull the plug” idea!
Thanks!
I like the smart power strip so I can see what is using the most power an I can just flip the power button on the strip so I’m not plug-in an unplugging my cords witch could damage them if not down correctly each time
Does PPEC still offer heat loss checks? they would use thermal gun and found heat/cooling losses on your exterior of your house
Hi Patrick, we’re not sure what PPEC is. AEP Ohio does not offer that service.
reduce the high salaries and bonuses.
Thank you this is all very good useful information
Another tip and one I use. If leaving for any length of time, unplug all the cords from the wall socket. I was told there is still a little trickle of electric going through which would still run through the meter.
Loving these articles, Thank you!
I appreciate your ideas, which I will initiate. Thank you!
I feel like this would be a much more helpful article if you actually had a listing of some of the worst offenders down to the least offenders, and ones that don’t disconnect your entire household, etc.
Thank you for the feedback, A. The types of devices and how much power they draw can vary with several factors, so providing a list of exact amounts of power used would not be possible.
It would be appreciated if AEP offer a very generalized list of common items and show the potential energy they use when just plugged in. Of course one could google this info to gain specificity but a general list could motive me and others to follow through on things that may SHOCK our senses. Thank you
Dana, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. The issue is exactly what you describe — any list would be so general (due to the types of devices and how much power they draw varying depending on several factors) that providing exact amounts of power used would not be possible.
I have been unplugging for years my microwave, washer/dryer , tv , anything that I don’t have to have plugged in isn’t this has saved me on average 30-40$ per month off of my bill if you compare one month unplugged to one month plugged in to see if it’s worth it to you I live by it
AEP you are full of crap ! 50 devices per household seriously ? I doubt it . 20 % of your electric bill ? Bull crap ! These things run on pennies a day . More like a few dollars off your bill . You want to save us some money ? Lower your Damn Rates . Put a few million less in your pockets . You’ll survive !
What plugged in items do I have should I unplug to save on MY ENERGY USE? YOUR REPLY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED IN ADVANCE! Thankyou!!
Hi Ilona. We suggest unplugging anything that’s safe to unplug and that you can easily plug back in before using. Things like phone chargers, coffee makers, small appliances, etc.
I have recently purchased a new washer/dryer combo. The dryer is a type of “heat pump” and does not require a large 220 line/plug. Will this make a difference on my ever spiraling heat bill. This and a new roof spring of 2024
Hi Julie, great question. Heat pump clothes dryers are far more efficient than typical electric clothes dryers. On average, they use around 70% less energy than a conventional clothes dryers.
I love the reminders & suggestions of “Pull the plug idea “.Though I’ve been doing that a long time ago w/ some exceptions like microwave & TV often use. Also switching off lights when not in use. Saved me energy..
Why do pole replacements jobs never get completed?and old poles pulled?
Wendell, we’re sorry to hear that a job has not been completed as expected. Please reach out to our Customer Solutions team so they can pinpoint the location of the job and share the information with the teams responsible. Send them a DM on Facebook or X or call 800-672-2231.
Yeah, I could lower my bill of it weren’t for tariff 820 that cost me twice as much as my actual electric usage. Maybe of AEP wasn’t paying off politicians like house bill6 I could afford my electricity.