Unplug everything and save on your electrical bill

Your mother always told you to turn the lights off when you leave a room. Add your TV, computer and cell phone charger to that list.

Your fancy electronics are increasing your electric bill. A big-screen TV, for example, can use as much electricity as a refrigerator.

Entertainment devices account for 60 percent of home electricity use. TVs, stereos and all of your gadgets guzzle less energy when they’re turned off than when they’re turned on.

Yet most appliances still use electricity when they’re turned off. Even “standby mode” requires most appliances leave some circuits on, waiting for the command to activate.

In fact, as much as 13 percent of home energy use might be from electronics on standby, estimates one study.

Your best bet for energy savings: Unplug them.