Published: October 28, 2026
Summary
- Energy vampires are devices that continue using electricity even when they're turned off
- Smart outlets, switches, scheduling and switched power bars can help automatically reduce unnecessary energy use
- Choosing ENERGY STAR® certified electronics can help keep standby power consumption to a minimum
Spooky season is upon us, and while your home may be decorated with cobwebs and skeletons, the real Halloween surprise could be the devices quietly using electricity even when they're turned off.
Energy vampires are everyday devices that continue drawing electricity while sitting idle, contributing to what's known as phantom power and adding to your household's energy use without you even realizing it.
Meet the usual suspects🧛
Not every plugged-in device is an energy vampire, but some common culprits include:
- Televisions and cable boxes
- Gaming consoles in standby mode
- Coffee makers and kitchen appliances with digital clocks
- Printers and computer accessories
Individually, the energy they use may seem small. But added together, these phantom loads can quietly drain power throughout the year.
How to stake an energy vampire⚡
The good news? You don't need garlic or a wooden stake to fight back.
Try these simple tricks:
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Put your devices on a schedule
Smart outlets and switches can make managing energy use easier by automatically turning connected devices off when you don’t need them. Set a schedule around your household’s routine so devices aren’t unnecessarily drawing power throughout the day or overnight.
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Use a power bar
A power bar with an on/off switch makes it easy to cut power to multiple devices at once. One flick of the switch and your energy vampires are sent back to their coffins.
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Choose efficient electronics
When shopping for new devices, look for ENERGY STAR® certified products. Many are designed with energy-saving features that reduce standby power use.
You don’t have to fight energy vampires alone! Save on Energy programs like Home Renovation Savings and the Energy Affordability Program offer rebates and incentives on energy-efficient appliances, power bars and more.
Don't let the vampires win
This Halloween, while you're busy decorating with ghosts, skeletons and jack-o'-lanterns, take a few minutes to hunt down the energy vampires hiding in plain sight.
Energy vampires can be sneaky, but they're not the only culprits behind a higher electricity bill. Seasonal weather, changing household routines and increased energy use can all play a role. If your bill has been giving you a fright lately, uncover some of the other common causes of high bills.
A smart outlet or scheduled switch here, a switched-off power bar there, and you can help reduce energy waste while keeping your home a little more efficient year-round.
Because the only things that should be draining energy this Halloween are the kids racing door-to-door for candy.