Is your home full of ” slow leaks” when it comes to energy? In fact electricity could be draining out of your outlets through appliances on standby, slumbering adaptors or any gadget with a clock, timer or remote control.

This is know as “phantom load” and can account for as much as 10% of the energy bill in a typical home.

The good news: zapping these energy sappers is fairly easy.

- PULL THE PLUG: Try to unplug any appliances and electronics you can. A Power bar lets you easy turn off several at once. Unplug rechargers and power cords as soon as they’ve done their job.

- USE THE OFF SWITCH: Use the sleep setting instead of the screen saver while you’re working on your computer. and then shut it down completely where you’re done for the day. Remember to switch off your monitor and printer , as well as the DVD player, video game console and set-top box. along with the TV

-UPDATE YOUR APPLIANCES: When Making new purchases, look for products with the ENERGY STAR symbol. Which use less energy in standby mode!

Whether you;re getting ready to sell or just want a quick pick-me-up, these decorating ticks- which can be done for under $1,000 -  will turn your place from drab to fab!

1 – PAINT- It’s no wonder painting is on the top three paybacks for resale value. A fresh coat makes any room or home look new and pristine. Try warm grey for a contemporary update, lighten up with a classic beige, or paint once wall a crisp – bold color for an accent wall!

 2 – DEFINE YOUR COULOUR SCHEME – Choose a colour scheme and edit your things to work within it. Aim to have one or two main colours, or stick to a single colour family plus one accent colour to “pop”. No eye for colour? Study a couple of home decor magazines for inspiration

 3 – EDIT YOUR ACCESSORIES – Clear a room of everything except for the furniture, carpeting & curtains. After leaving it for a day or two, bring in accessories one at a time- either stuff you have of something new. Try throw cushions, a statement- making collection of vases( groups of three or five works best), or a piece of art. Don’t add too much, and store the rest to rotate in later.

 4 – REFRESH TIRED FURNISHINGS -  Shampoo upholstery and carpeting. Reupholster a worn couch, or invest in slip covers. If there’s a piece your really don’t like, give it away and replace with something you love. Treat solid hardwood with furniture oil/ polish.

 5 – REPLACE FIXTURES – FAUCETS & HANDLES – Updating kitchen and bathroom taps for a more contemporary design will make the whole room look better. Change cupboard  pulls to brushed chrome/nickel. Cover door knobs to lever-style handles. For the best results use a consistent style throughout your home.

 6 -LIGHT UP YOUR SURROUNDINGS – Throw a little light on the subject – your home – to instantly refresh it. You can illuminate dark corers for a warmer cheerier atmosphere. While recessed  lighting is attractive, its also costly. To economize, add track lighting  to hallways or bedrooms, scones in a vestibule, and new table and floor lamps in the living/dining room.