Family & Living

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 9 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Californians and people everywhere are making changes in the home, like replacing standard light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save energy and money on utility bills. The California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) Flex Your Power campaign highlights simple steps residents can take in the home to decrease energy consumption while saving money.

The current condition of the U.S. economy poses a growing concern in the minds of many California residents. With high unemployment rates throughout the state, many people are more cautious about the way they spend money. Latino families can help protect the environment and keep more of their money by making small changes in the way they consume energy.

Implementing simple low or no cost changes in the home can make a difference in preserving the Earth and saving money. These changes include sealing a home's cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation to save up to 20% on home cooling costs. Unplugging electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use is another simple step to save electricity. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.

Additional ways to conserve energy while saving money include:
-- Setting your air conditioner 5 degrees higher to save up to 20% on cooling costs.
-- Using fans to make indoor temperatures feel cooler, most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.
-- Keeping windows and doors shut and shades closed during the day to keep your house cool and reduce air conditioning costs.
-- Replacing standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to save 75% off lighting costs.

For additional information and energy saving tips visit http://www.flexyourpower.org.

SOURCE Flex Your Power