Televisions, game consoles, cable boxes, chargers and many kitchen gadgets draw a small amount of power even when they look like they're off. Individually it's minor, but across an entire home this standby power can add up over the course of a year.

A simple way to tackle it is to plug groups of devices into a power strip and switch it off when they're not in use, such as overnight or when you leave for work. Smart power strips can do this automatically by cutting power to accessories when the main device turns off. Some consoles and televisions also have energy-saving settings tucked away in their menus.

Not everything should be unplugged. Routers, medical devices, security systems and anything that needs to stay updated or keep time may need constant power. Start with an obvious cluster, like the entertainment center or home office, and see whether the change fits your routine before expanding it to the rest of the house.