How to save energy at home

Saving energy at home is another simple way to help the environment. There is a myriad of simple steps you can take that, aside from reducing your monthly power bill, will help contribute to saving the planet.

When you look around your home how many device cords are still plugged in, but the device is in your pocket? How many appliances are still plugged in and switched on at the wall, but you aren’t using them? Small details like this are some of the effortless things we can start doing something about.

Here are some of the everyday appliances that use electricity while turned off but plugged in.

• Laptop when fully charged

• Desk top computer

• Printer

• Oven or stove including gas ones

• Electric toothbrush

• Coffee machine

• Night lights

• Cell phone charger

• Tablet charger

• Television – the TV might be switched off but it’s ready to go as soon as you reach for that remote

• Wireless or home phone

• Video games and consoles

• Musical instruments

• Heat pump or air conditioner

• Heaters

Even when switched off all the above are on standby power, ready for you to use when you are. As soon as something is fully charged either unplug it or switch it off at the wall. Any appliances sitting on your kitchen counter can be unplugged until you need them.

There are a number of other energy saving options such as checking the house for drafts or only heating the room your in. But the above are affordable and healthy options that can be easily addressed today.