Power consumption is one of the most topical issues in the world. It connects individuals to a global movement, from reducing a household’s energy costs to un-stamping the world’s carbon footprint.

But how can you play a role? If everyone thought like that, something would surely get done to make the world more inhabitable, cost-efficient, and safer.

While they may seem small, implementing personal power consumption changes can contribute to a more thoughtful way of living. These changes may inspire those around you: family, friends, coworkers, and peers; but there’s only one way to know: try!

The following tips are intended to guide you in making some simple yet effective shifts in your everyday living. Here’s how you can reduce and “greenify” your power consumption in three easy steps.

1 – Energy-Efficient Habits and Solutions

No one is expecting you to give up everything you know for “the cause.” But you can use energy more efficiently by changing some of your habits in simple ways.

Heating and Air Habits For Reducing Power Consumption

Cooling and heating are facts of life – but waste occurs; in addition to clothing choices, here’s what you can do. Examine your heating and cooling practices: does your HVAC system run continuously, and if so, what can you do instead?

Activate the air conditioner or furnace when necessary but deactivate or adjust the temperature when you leave home. Additionally, you can purchase a “smart thermostat,” which you can program to automatically change your home’s temperature appropriately.

Ultimately, reducing your power consumption will involve using power only when required. This means making common-sense decisions that are easy to implement and rely on self-constraint where energy is concerned.

While it may seem simple or inconvenient, finding alternatives to adjusting your home’s thermostat can be a big help. Try layering your shirts or wearing sweaters and jackets on cold days and wearing cool clothes on hot days.

Energy Efficient Devices Can Help Reduce Power Consumption

Light usage is another big energy user. Lowering their drain involves the kinds of lightbulbs you regularly use. Many people still use incandescent bulbs, which have mercury – a dangerous chemical – and are well outdated.

You can make the simple switch to LED lightbulbs, which are far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lasts 25 times longer, with a lifespan of about 25,000 hours, and uses 75% less electricity, according to EnergyStar.

Furthermore, EnergyStar-rated appliances offer a set of standards that help you choose the best appliances for energy reduction. While the initial cost may be more expensive than a less efficient product, the reduced power consumption will pay off.

Unused Devices Should Be Turned Off To Reduce Power Consumption

Think of all the electronic devices you regularly own. Are any of them always plugged in, even when not in use? Most electronic devices still draw standby power despite being turned off, meaning your home could be riddled with energy “vampires.”

Devices such as televisions and microwaves should be unplugged or plugged into a switched-off power strip when idle. Additionally, shut down your computer – doing so won’t affect your device’s lifespan.

The easiest, most overlooked thing you can do is turn off lights when they’re not in use. Additionally, you can install motion-sensing switches to automatically turn off the lights when somebody isn’t detected in the room.

2 – Natural and/or Conventional Resources

Another step to reducing your energy consumption can be found just outside your door. Here’s how you can rely more on natural resources, without investing in state-of-the-art technology.

Windows Can Influence Your Power Consumption

Windows are tried and true inventions that can make a great difference during summer and winter. If you’re hesitant to consume power, knowing how to make the most out of your windows may be the solution.

On hot days, open the windows in the morning and evening to take advantage of the breeze. Additionally, closed blinds and awnings can be extra defenses against the heat shining through the windows.

On cold days, opening the blinds can make a huge difference, letting in the sun’s warmth. Additionally, window shutters can help you close out the coldness with extra support.

Moreover, make sure your windows are sealed completely to keep the heated or cooled air inside or outside the home. However, your windows may need replacing: some newer windows are built to be more energy-efficient.

The more you control the weather inside your home, the more you control the energy which generates it. And so, being aware and making use of your window’s efficiency may be the key to reducing excess consumption.

Insulation Can Save Power

Insulation is another great and simple way to take control of your home’s heating and cooling efforts. A little goes a long way in reducing cost and power consumption, and insulation is a great example of this.

For most homes, simply adding insulation to the attics can keep excess heat inside the home during winter. If your home has an electric furnace, adding more insulation to the walls, attic, or basement helps even more.

But the reverse is also true during the summer months: insulation can help keep the cool air inside your home. Help your air-conditioning unit by keeping that hot air out, where it belongs. You’ll likely be surprised by how much your overall household consumption lessens.

Fans, Fireplaces, and Space Heaters All Take Up a Lot of Electricity

During the summer, air conditioning may sound incredibly appealing, especially on those extra-hot days. But air conditioning relies on a lot of power, driving up your energy bills and contributing to potentially unnecessary consumption.

Installing ceiling fans in the rooms you use the most can increase air circulation without relying on air conditioning. After you’ve let in some cool air, you can systematically use your fans to move the air throughout your home.

The wintertime can be oppressive, and the solution seems simple: turn on the furnace for some toasty warmth. But this can be expensive and wasteful by warming up every isolated room of your house.

Take advantage of a space heater or fireplace if you can, and if you don’t, consider purchasing or installing one. They can add some additional warmth that may go a lot further than the furnace would, with less energy emitted.

3 – Switch to Alternative Energies

Many factors are propelling the conversation about global warming and climate change, calling for multiple, immediate solutions. While individual efforts only go so far, they are nevertheless important – you can contribute by considering an alternative energy.

Alternative energy, also known as renewable energy, is found in sunlight, wind, and water – parts of the planet’s natural structure. Increased worldwide attention is driving alternative power sources down in price each year, making them more realistic options for homeowners. 

Solar panels are used by urban homeowners throughout America, while in rural areas, some homeowners utilize wind power or hydropower. Location, individual income, and community planning are all factors in alternative energy’s accessibility, but overall, it is becoming increasingly accessible. 

Solar Energy Is a Great Option to Help Greenify Your Home

Solar technologies have many purposes: they convert sunlight into home light, electricity, and even heating and cooling systems. These technologies not only upgrade your home’s efficiency, but they also improve your property value – all while reducing carbon footprints.

Probably the most readily available alternative energy sources you can invest in are photovoltaic (PV) systems – or solar panels. With 25-year lifespans, solar panels can eliminate electric bills, increase property value, and provide an ROI of approximately 20%.

But if you’re not ready to make the jump to a solar panel, consider something small, like solar-powered landscape lighting. These simple lights stay off during the day, all while storing energy, to automatically switch on at night.

Wind Energy Is A Great Green Energy Option

Wind energy refers to wind flow that has been captured by wind turbines and then converted into electricity. Think of the most common form of wind energy, windmills used to pump water on farms, common wind energy sites. 

So if you live in a rural area, single-wind turbines may be a viable alternative to conventional electric utilities. And if available, wind farms create electricity you can buy on the wholesale power market through contract or bidding.

Hydroelectricity Can Be A Good Idea To Reduce Your Electric Bill

Hydropower has roots in early America, where waterwheels once operated mills. However, these mills are archaic compared to today’s examples. Today, hydroelectricity is the standard, captured from the kinetic energy flowing rivers and generated in two main ways. 

You may have seen a dam, a construction that stores water in a reservoir, generating electricity through turbines upon release. Or maybe you’ve seen “run-of-river” plants, which don’t require dams but funnel some of a river’s flow through a channel.

If you live near a dependable waterway source, micro-hydroelectric plants may be a realistic opportunity for switching to hydroelectricity. If you’re a farm/ranch owner or a small-town resident who lives in such a location, there may be hydroelectric options.

Final Focus On Greenifying Your Electricity

As you can see, there are many reasons to make the switch to a more energy-efficient way of living. Not only is it more sustainable for the planet, but it can be economically advantageous and personally fulfilling.

All it takes is examining the options for your household to see what you can do to cut unnecessary consumption. With methodical planning and a spirited attempt, you can take the steps necessary to make your home more energy conscious.