Understanding Energy Conservation and Its Many Benefits

Did you know that in 2018 two-thirds of the total energy used by American‘s was wasted? That’s a lot of energy resources squandered that we can never get back. However, there is good news. Experts believe that by 2050 we can reduce our total energy usage by as much as 60%, and all it will take is some simple energy conservation.

In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth exploration of energy conservation and explain why it has become so important. We’ll also go over the topic of how to conserve energy and target specific ways that you can help in energy conservation efforts.

What Is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation is when you make a conscious decision to use less energy. You might be wondering, can it really be that simple? Yes, yes, it can! Not only is it simple, but it’s also quite beneficial. When we lower the amount of energy we use, we slow down fossil fuel depletion and help clean up the environment. While we’re at it, we end up saving ourselves money. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Is Energy Conservation Important?

Currently, the primary energy sources in the United States are fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. However, fossil fuels are non-renewable resources that are created deep down within the Earth’s surface over the course of millions of years. We’re using them so fast that they will eventually become exhausted.

What’s more, fossil fuels negatively impact the environment. Coal is the number one pollutant in the United States. Burning it leads to carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. Plus, burning coal causes acid rain, smog, and soot. It even creates toxic air emissions, which is linked to congenital disabilities, cancer, and other severe health-related conditions.

The top benefits of conserving energy:

Help the environment
Prolong the existence of fossil fuels
Save money

How Does Energy Conservation Help the Environment?

When you limit your energy usage, you lower your impact on the environment. The longer we go without making significant changes, the greater the threat of global warming and climate change become to our daily lives.

When we burn fossil fuels, they create an incredible amount of greenhouse gas emissions. These gasses, which include carbon dioxide, add up faster than the atmosphere can absorb them, which prevents Earth from being able to maintain a stable temperature properly.

The planet’s rising temperatures are what we refer to as global warming. We classify the side effects of warming as climate change. We observe these side effects through events such as changes in sea level, cold snaps, droughts, hurricanes, melting glaciers, and wildfires. Fortunately, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our use of energy.

The simple act of energy conservation can help slow global warming, which will allow us to:

Save coastal cities from disappearing underwater
Improve water quality and protect reefs and other fragile ecosystems
Improve air quality and reduce airborne allergens leading to a reduced risk of cardiovascular and respiratory issues
Lower impact on mental health, injuries, and fatalities caused by severe weather

How Will Conserving Energy Prolong the Existence of Fossil Fuels?

It’s inevitable that we will run out of fossil fuels at some point even though we rely so strongly on them as our primary energy source. As such, we must begin limiting our energy consumption now. The slower we burn through these non-renewable resources, the more time we have to develop alternative energy solutions before exhausting our fossil fuels.

What Is the Difference Between Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation?

Although energy conservation and energy efficiency are both ways to reduce energy usage, there is a difference between the two. When we choose to change the way we do things to limit our energy use, we’re practicing energy conservation. Energy efficiency is when we find ways to use less energy without altering the task at hand.

An Example of Energy Efficiency vs. Energy Conservation

When you change your lightbulbs from traditional incandescent lights or halogen bulbs to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, you are improving your energy efficiency. You are continuing to use your lights the same amount as you were before, but now you’re using less energy.

This is because it only takes a 12-watt (W) LED bulb to give off as much light as a 43-watt halogen bulb or a 60-watt traditional incandescent bulb. That’s a big difference, and it’s a simple way to use less electricity.

Now, if you make a conscious decision to turn off those lights every time you leave the room, that’s practicing energy conservation.

Learning How To Conserve Energy Is Easy

You can easily accomplish acts of energy conservation by making a few simple lifestyle adjustments. With so many ways to save energy, you get to pick and choose which methods and devices are right for you.

One great way to start is by doing an energy audit of your home. Look around for simple ways that you can save energy. Make sure to take notes so you don’t have to tackle it all at once. The key is to not let it become overwhelming. Take just one small step at a time, and you’ll be feeling great about your energy conservation choices in no time.

What Are Energy Conservation Methods?

We couldn’t possibly list all of the ways to conserve energy here. Still, this list of energy-saving tips will give you a solid understanding of energy conservation methods that you can use now.

Outside the House

Drive a smaller vehicle that gets better gas mileage or purchase a hybrid or electric car. When possible, carpool or use public transportation. Or better yet, ride your bicycle or walk if you can.
Help control the temperature in your home by planting shade trees in key areas around your yard.

Inside Your Home

Turn off lights and unplug electronics, other devices, and their chargers every time they are not in use. Simplify this by installing power strips so that you can turn off multiple items with one switch.
Replace all of your halogen and other incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), LEDs, or smart light bulbs.
Check to make sure that your attic and walls are adequately insulated.
Seal any cracks around windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping to avoid unwanted air leaks.
Keep window coverings like curtains open on cold but sunny days to allow the sun’s warmth to shine in. On hot days, keep them closed to keep out thermal energy from the sun.
Repair plumbing issues like running toilets and faucets that leak.
Install water-saver shower heads to help with conserving hot water. Opt for taking shorter showers instead of baths and turning the water off while you brush your teeth or shave.
For maximum savings on your utility bills, avoid as much energy usage as possible during your provider’s peak hours. Peak energy usage hours can be different depending on your provider and location. Contact your energy provider to find out their current peak hours and if they offer any incentive programs.

Regulating Temperatures

When you want your house to stay cool, cut back on activities that produce moisture such as bathing, cooking, or doing the laundry. Time to eat? Skip your indoor appliances and go for the grill.
Ceiling fans can be used to properly circulate air throughout your home, which will help with your air conditioner and heating systems’ efficiency.
Install a programmable thermostat for worry-free temperature control that allows you to keep your home cooler at night than during the day without having to lift a finger.
Keep your hot water heater thermostat set between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap your water heater in a water blanket to improve its efficiency for more easy savings on your water heating bill.
Keep window coverings like curtains open on cold but sunny days to allow the sun’s warmth to shine in. On hot days, keep them closed to keep out thermal energy from the sun.
Repair plumbing issues like running toilets and faucets that leak.
Install water-saver shower heads to help with conserving hot water. Opt for taking shorter showers instead of baths and turning the water off while you brush your teeth or shave.
For maximum savings on your utility bills, avoid as much energy usage as possible during your provider’s peak hours. Peak energy usage hours can be different depending on your provider and location. Contact your energy provider to find out their current peak hours and if they offer any incentive programs.

Appliance Usage and Efficiency

On warm breezy days, skip using the clothes dryer and opt to hang your laundry to dry on a clothesline.
When you do use the dryer, clean the lint trap after every load to help maintain efficiency.
Washing your laundry doesn’t always require the use of hot water. Use cold water cycles when you can.
Clean or replace air filters for your cooling systems and heating systems as recommended.
Keep your refrigerator coils dust-free to prevent energy waste.
Opt to use a slow cooker, toaster oven, or microwave over a conventional oven when possible since they all use less energy than a full-size oven.
Replace your outdated baseline model appliances with energy-efficient models.