Busting Spooky Energy-Saving Myths This Halloween Season

As the chilly nights of autumn creep in and the days grow shorter, we know Alabamians are looking for ways to stay warm without shocking their wallets. But there are plenty of scary misconceptions about energy efficiency floating around, and it can be tricky to know what actually helps you save energy and money.

We’re here to clear things up with a few myth busters to help you stay comfortable through the bone-chilling fall and winter months. These free-to-low-cost tips can help you scare away the wicked spirits of increased power bills.

Spooky Myth 1: Turning your heating unit off when you’re not home saves energy and lowers your bill.

The frightening facts: Your system doesn’t just heat the air – it warms everything in your home, from countertops and furniture to the surfaces of your appliances. Turning your heating unit completely off means it has to work twice as hard to heat everything back up when you turn it on again, increasing your energy use. Don’t kill your unit, because bringing it back to life could be like waking up Frankenstein’s monster!

Spooky Myth 2: Closing the vents in rooms you don’t use helps heat your home better.

The bone-chilling facts: Your heating system works best when all vents are open. Partially closing vents may seem like a good idea, but it can actually throw off airflow balance and make your system work harder. Keep your vents open and let the warm air flow – your home isn’t the Bates Motel!

Spooky Myth 3: Electronics that are plugged in but not switched on don’t use power.

The mysterious facts: Beware of “energy vampires” lurking in your home, using up unnecessary power. Devices like TVs, lamps, coffee makers and toasters can use phantom power even when they’re turned off. Try unplugging them when not in use or plug several into a power strip so you can turn them off with one switch.

Spooky Myth 4: It’s impossible to save energy while cooking.

The eerie facts: You can definitely cook up some savings. Firing up the grill is one way to keep your energy bills in check. By cooking outdoors, you can avoid using your indoor oven, which consumes electricity and could lead to higher energy costs. Small appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens also use less energy than traditional ovens. While Sweeney Todd might prefer baking indoors, we suggest more energy-efficient options for your seasonal favorites.

Tools and Tips to Keep the Monsters Away

We offer plenty of free tools and resources to help ward off the evil spirits.

• Stay in control with our Mobile App. Manage your account anytime, anywhere.
• Track your energy use. Our My Power Usage tool lets you monitor daily usage, set alerts and stay within budget.
• Report outages and view maps. Visit our Outages and Storm Center to report outages or check our live outage map.

Payment Options to Stay Safe from Money-Stealing Ghouls and Goblins

You can securely pay your bill online at AlabamaPower.com or use Digital Wallet tools like Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can also schedule payments, enroll in AutoPay and set billing alerts for added convenience.

Bust the Power Bill Ghosts with Free Online Tools

Use Bill Explainer, Rate Advisor and Energy Assistant to better understand your bill, explore rate options and locate energy assistance programs – all free and easy to use.

For even more energy-saving tips and resources, visit AlabamaPower.com/Winter and follow us on social.

Wishing you a safe, cozy and energy-efficient Halloween!