Electronics still draw some electricity when they are turned off but still plugged in (such as your cell phone charger, stereos and even television). According to the International Energy Agency, a home has about 20 of these devices and is therefore typically responsible for 5 to 10% of total electricity use in most homes. Easily unplug electronics when not in use by plugging them into a power strip. An ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb (a compact fluorescent light bulb) or fixture can save about $30 or more in electricity costs. ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs and fixtures use 75% less energy, last up to 10 times longer, and produce about 75% less heat than traditional incandescent models so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

For more information visit:
www.iea.org/textbase/papers/2007/standby_fact.pdf www.energystar.gov