As Halloween approaches, PECO is warning customers about a real-life energy drain that could haunt their homes long after the candy’s gone — “vampire energy.”

According to the utility, everyday electronics and appliances that remain plugged in while not in use quietly sap power and drive up electric bills. From idle game consoles to phone chargers and coffee makers, these unseen culprits can account for as much as 10 percent of a household’s annual energy use. The cost can add up quickly if left unchecked.

The Hidden Drain on Your Wallet

PECO cautions that many common devices draw electricity even when powered down. The biggest offenders include computers, printers, televisions, and kitchen appliances with digital displays or standby lights.

These small, continuous draws of electricity might not seem like much individually, but together, they can take a real bite out of your monthly energy bill.

PECO’s experts recommend several simple ways to stop these energy “vampires” before they strike. Among them:

• Unplug chargers and devices when they’re not in use or once fully charged.
• Use advanced power strips that automatically cut power to electronics when they enter standby mode.
• Turn off lights and equipment before leaving a room.
• Look for ENERGY STAR-certified devices, which meet higher efficiency standards and use less standby power.

Year-Round Energy Efficiency Tips

While the “vampire” theme is seasonal, PECO encourages customers to treat energy efficiency as a year-round priority. The company’s Ways to Save page highlights dozens of practical strategies for homeowners and renters alike.

Heating and cooling systems, for example, account for roughly half of a home’s energy use. PECO recommends having HVAC units serviced regularly and replacing filters every three months to improve efficiency. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can also help households save up to 10 percent annually by automatically adjusting temperatures when residents are asleep or away.

Lighting is another key area. Swapping out traditional bulbs for LEDs can reduce lighting energy costs by as much as 90 percent. Sealing drafts, insulating attics, and weather-stripping doors and windows further prevent costly air leaks — measures that are especially valuable as colder weather sets in.

Tracking and Controlling Usage

PECO customers can take their conservation efforts a step further by using the utility’s online tools. Through My Account on PECO.com, users can track daily and hourly energy use, compare trends over time, and even set alerts to identify unusual spikes in consumption.

The company also offers in-home energy assessments that help customers pinpoint where they’re wasting power, from outdated appliances to poorly insulated walls. Residents can schedule an assessment online or by calling 1-888-5-PECO-SAVE.

From Halloween to the Holidays

As shorter days and cooler nights approach, household energy demands typically rise — and so does the opportunity for waste. PECO’s message is simple: don’t let phantom power follow you into the holidays.

This time of year, it’s easy to overlook the small things that quietly add up. Taking a few minutes to unplug, switch off, and upgrade to efficient products can keep your energy use — and your bills — from becoming truly frightening.

Learn more from PECO about what you can do to reduce your energy use and costs.