​ComEd provides tips to help customers avoid energy waste and save money​

CHICAGO (October 31, 2017) – Halloween is great time to put a stake in the heart of Power Vampires that are stealing energy in your home.

Power Vampires are electronic devices that draw continuous amounts of electricity whether they are on or off. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household spends $100 per year to power plugged-in electronics and appliances while they are off or in standby mode.

The ComEd Energy Efficiency program offers a variety of rebates and discounts that aim to help customers save energy and money. ComEd's Energy Doctor, George Malek, who is also the director of Energy Efficiency Services, states "Common household appliances like computers and televisions can drain as much as 10 percent of a home's overall energy usage when left plugged in - even when they are not being used. A great way to save, but still keep your devices charged, is to use an advanced power strip, which can help power down electronics when they are not in use."

ComEd offers advanced power strips and other energy efficiency products through its Marketplace, an online store offering instant, point-of-purchase rebates on a curated set of competitively-priced energy management products. Products include smart thermostats, LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and water-saving products.

Here are a few more tips that can help customers close the coffin on Power Vampires:

• Unplug electronics when they are not in use to save electricity. One of the biggest energy uses for most home electronics is the power used while in "standby" mode. You might be surprised to learn that consumer electronics can use up to 40 percent of their electricity while devices are turned off or in "standby" mode.
• Unplug your mobile phone, portable music player or other electronics from outlets once they are fully charged.
• When planning to be away from home, always remember to unplug all nonessential devices.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances, electronics and other products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

For more information on energy-saving tips, tools and rebates, visit ComEd.com/HomeSavings for residential customers and ComEd.com/BizSavings for business customers.