Does Saving Energy Help the Environment?
Saving energy benefits the environment by improving air quality, protecting water sources and conserving natural resources. Fewer emissions mean cleaner air for better respiratory health and less pollution from power plants for a cleaner water supply. Saving energy also reduces the demand for using limited natural resources, which protects ecosystems from the effects of mining and extraction.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity generation is the second largest source of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, are released when burning fossil fuels. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures, extreme weather and ecosystem disruptions.
By reducing your energy usage, you can potentially reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced to generate electricity. Saving energy can also help conserve natural resources and reduce air pollution.
Home Energy Usage Environmental Impact
Improving your home’s energy efficiency lowers your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of fuel used to power your household energy use, which reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released. On the other hand, using more energy leads to the burning of more fuel for electricity generation, which can yield more greenhouse gases — particularly if you don’t have a renewable energy plan.
Air conditioning and space heating consume the most energy in homes, but other activities like lighting and refrigeration also use a lot of energy. Making your home more efficient can help reduce the amount of energy needed to power daily activities. For instance, you can typically reduce your total energy usage by installing energy-efficient appliances and improving your home’s insulation. You can also consider a green energy plan to offset your usage with renewable energy sources.
Key Areas of Home Energy Use
Here’s a breakdown of household energy use based on EIA data, showing the percentage of total energy consumption for each activity.
- Air conditioning: 19%
- Space heating: 12%
- Water heating: 12%
- Refrigerators: 8%
- Lighting: 6%
- TVs and electronics: 6%
- Clothes dryers: 4%
- Other: 33%
The “other” category includes activities not already mentioned that don’t make up a significant percentage of the total, such as electric vehicle charging, microwaves, dishwashers, clothes washers and ceiling fans.
Also, note that air conditioning may take up a much larger portion of your energy use, depending on where you live. In warm states, such as Texas, Florida, or Louisiana, air conditioning use can account for as much as 50% of your total energy usage.
How To Save Energy at Home
You can take simple and long-term steps to save energy and money on your electricity bills. While some steps require little investment (e.g., shutting off the lights in empty rooms or unplugging devices), others may require a large upfront investment (e.g., appliance upgrades or new insulation).
Immediate Actions
Here are a few adjustments to consider to reduce energy use and positively impact the environment.
- Lower the temperature on your thermostat. During wintertime, the EPA recommends keeping your home heated to 68 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night.
- Stay warm in the winter by using blankets and wearing sweaters instead of raising the heat.
- In the summer, wear light clothing to stay cool instead of relying on the air conditioner.
- When it’s warm, raise your thermostat to 78. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this can keep you comfortable without causing excess usage.
- Turn down your water temperature. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit can save you 6% to 10% on water heating costs.
- Replace shower heads in your home. You can save water and energy by using a low-flow showerhead.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Make sure to flip the lights off or unplug home appliances before you leave the house or when not in use.
You can also reduce your usage by doing loads of laundry with cold water and hang-drying your clothes rather than using the dryer.
Long-term Solutions
Here are steps to reduce your energy consumption over the long term, which may require a larger financial investment.
- Switch to clean energy sources. Consider installing a solar panel system or switching to a green energy plan. Generating solar power doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases.
- Upgrade your insulation. Adding or improving your home’s insulation can reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling.
- Buy energy-efficient appliances. Install Energy Star-certified refrigerators, clothes washers and heat pumps to reduce electricity use.
- Seal air leaks and install energy-efficient windows. Sealing any leaks prevents heat loss through gaps around windows and doors to reduce energy use.
How Saving Energy Saves You Money
Because energy companies charge you per kilowatt-hour of usage, how much energy your home consumes throughout the month determines your electricity bill. Using fewer kilowatt-hours per month generally means a lower electric bill. However, your actual savings may depend on your plan type.
The typical U.S. household can cut back energy bills by increasing efficiency. For example, installing Energy Star appliances can help you save $450 annually on energy bills. Meanwhile, according to the DOE, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day.
Saving energy also benefits the environment. Using less energy decreases the need for burning fossil fuels, reducing the effects of greenhouse gases and pollution. Consciously saving energy makes a positive impact on your wallet and the environment.
Renewable Electricity Plans
Switching to a 100% green energy plan offsets your energy usage with clean sources, such as wind and solar. Many providers specifically purchase electricity from renewable energy sources for your needs. And what can’t be covered by those sources, providers offset with renewable energy certificates (RECs). Each REC represents one megawatt of energy from a clean power source added to the grid.
You can find green energy plans in your area by entering your ZIP code on this page and filtering for 100% renewable options. Some of the most popular green energy providers in Texas include Green Mountain Energy, Gexa Energy, Rhythm Energy and Chariot Energy. And many other major brands also offer at least one or more green energy plans, including TXU Energy, Reliant Energy and TriEagle Energy. You’ll find that most green energy plans are as cheap as — if not cheaper than — traditionally sourced energy plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Energy for the Environment
What environmental impact does saving electricity have?
Saving energy reduces the need to burn fossil fuels, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the effects of climate change. Less fossil fuel use also contributes to cleaner air and conserves natural resources.
How much can individual energy savings help the environment?
One person may not stop climate change, but we can work together to slow down the environmental impact by saving energy. Taking steps such as switching to Energy Star-certified appliances and using clean power sources can reduce your carbon footprint to help the environment.
How does energy conservation help protect wildlife?
Fossil fuel mining and extraction, as well as air and water pollution, impact wildlife and their habitats. Conserving energy means less fossil fuel extraction, which reduces the impact on wildlife.
Why is using less energy better for the environment?
Lowering energy use conserves natural resources and reduces carbon emissions, the impacts of climate change, and pollution.
What happens if we don’t conserve energy?
We risk running out of natural resources and speeding up climate change if we don’t conserve energy. These actions result in more extreme weather events and impact the health of animals and humans. Increased pollution from energy generation can lead to poor air quality, contaminated water and destroyed habitats. In a more immediate sense, you’ll also see these impacts on your pocketbook. Using more energy leads to higher energy bills. By conserving energy, you’re not just helping the environment; you’re also saving money.
