🎃 Haunted by High Bills?

Energy Tricks & Treats for a Greener Halloween

Halloween’s all about chills, thrills, and the occasional power surge from every house glowing like a haunted mansion. But behind the fog machines and flickering lights lurks a real monster — energy waste. This year, ABC Energy wants to help you enjoy the spookiest night of the year without letting your utility bill give you nightmares.

---

👻 The Phantom Load: Energy’s Invisible Ghost

Even when the party’s over and the lights are off, “phantom loads” — energy used by devices in standby mode — still drain power. Think TVs, chargers, and gaming consoles. They’re like little vampires sipping electricity all night long.
Energy treat: Use smart plugs or power strips to cut the current when devices aren’t in use. Unplugging just a few can save you up to $100 a year.

🕯️ LED Lanterns and the Tale of the Glowing Pumpkins

Old incandescent bulbs are real energy ghouls. If you’re lighting up your porch, path, or jack-o’-lanterns, swap to LEDs — they use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. Plus, many LED string lights come in orange, purple, and green, setting the perfect eerie tone.
Bonus trick: Use solar-powered lights to guide trick-or-treaters and keep your walkway hauntingly bright, grid-free.

---

🧛 Vampire Energy vs. Smart Homes

Smart thermostats and timers are like modern-day vampire slayers. Program them to dim or turn off decorations automatically when the night ends. They’ll keep your energy use under control without you lifting a (witch’s) finger.

🦇 Keep the Cold at Bay — and the Bats Outside

As temperatures drop, drafts sneak into your home like spirits through the walls. Weatherstripping and insulation aren’t glamorous, but they’ll keep your house warm and your energy use low all season long.
Pro move: Schedule an energy audit before winter hits. It’s the real magic spell for sealing leaks and saving cash.

---

🕸️ Sustainable Scares: Decorations That Don’t Cost the Earth

Skip the single-use plastics and try DIY décor: cardboard tombstones, reused jars as lanterns, fabric ghosts. It’s cheaper, greener, and gives your home a one-of-a-kind haunted look.
Treat the planet: Compost your pumpkins instead of tossing them — they’ll return to the earth instead of haunting the landfill.

---

🎃 Final Word

This Halloween, don’t get spooked by your energy bill. Phantom loads, wasteful lighting, and poor insulation can quietly drain your wallet long after the trick-or-treaters are gone. A few smart switches — literally — can keep your costs low and your home efficient.

And if you really want to know what’s haunting your rate, check out URate, ABC Energy’s instant comparison tool. See real-time electric and gas offers, find the lowest available rates, and lock in savings before the next cold front hits.

This season, keep the scares on your porch — not on your power bill.

---