LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Rid your home of energy vampires this Halloween!

October is the perfect time to tackle “energy vampires” and “phantom loads.” Although these vampires and phantoms don’t have teeth or fly around making scary noises, they can cause your electric bill to be a bit frightening! Electrically speaking, “energy vampires” and “phantom loads” mean the same thing. These terms are meant to describe appliances and electronics that are left plugged-in even when they are not in use. These items literally drain electricity all-day, every-day. Even scarier than the idea of these energy villains is the fact that most Americans have at least 20 “energy vampires” or “phantom loads” in their home right now! While these vampires only add pennies to your electric bill, awareness and conservation will make an impact on both your electric bill and your carbon footprint! Tackling these little monsters is as simple as unplugging things such as phone chargers, coffeemakers, and toasters when they are not being used. While it is important to unplug unused appliances and electronics while you are away for extended periods of time like vacation, it is equally important to do it on a daily basis before you leave for work or school. So as you get in the spirit of the season, consider slaying those “energy vampires” in your home! For more tips on conserving electricity, visit www.lcec.net.