Stop leaving this appliance plugged in overnight — it’s spiking your energy bill

Rising electricity costs have homeowners hunting for savings wherever they can — but one energy expert says the biggest “silent” drain on your bill may be sitting right in your kitchen.

While most people focus on big-ticket energy hogs like air conditioning or heating, Corey Gilgan, owner of Oregon Generators, says it’s the microwave that often flies under the radar.

“The appliance I see costing people the most in phantom energy? The microwave,” Gilgan explains. “Most homeowners have no idea their microwave is drawing power 24/7, even when they’re not heating up leftovers.”

That’s because microwaves keep internal circuits running and digital displays lit up at all times — a phenomenon known as “phantom load” or “vampire energy.”

How phantom energy adds up

Even though a microwave on standby only uses about 4 watts an hour, that adds up to roughly 35 kilowatt-hours a year. It may not sound like much, but multiply that by the other gadgets in your home — coffee makers, printers, TVs, cable boxes, chargers — and you could be wasting up to 10 percent of your monthly electric bill.

In states with high electricity rates, that waste can hit as much as $440 annually. “When you add this on top of summer air conditioning costs, it really stings,” Gilgan warns.

Quick fixes that actually work

The good news? You don’t need an electrician or an expensive upgrade to cut these costs.

“The beauty of tackling phantom energy is that it requires zero sacrifice,” says Gilgan. “You’re eliminating waste at no cost to your comfort or convenience. Start with your microwave tonight, and you’ll be surprised how quickly those savings add up.”