Most of us believe that by turning off the lights when no one is in a room we are doing quite a bit to reduce home energy use. However, there is one simple, additional step we need to take –- unplug appliances and electronics when not in use — to further reduce home energy waste.

This new habit will save you a few dollars a month on the electric bill. Perhaps most significantly, turning things off results in reduced CO2 emissions.

It is estimated that up to 40% of the electricity used by home electronics occurs when they are turned off. It requires an extra step — actually turning them off — to realize a savings in money and greenhouse gases.

The electricity drained by sleeping appliances and electronics is known as “phantom load.” Some of the biggest offenders include Tivos, TVs, cable boxes, computers, coffee makers and cell phone chargers.

A simple solution to “phantom load” is to plug appliances and electronics into inexpensive power strips that can easily be switched off at the end of the day.