Top 10 Advantages and Drawbacks of Off-Grid Living

 

Living “off-grid” is just another word for living without connections to public utilities. You either don’t have access to electricity at all, or you’re using alternative electricity sources. You can also opt to be cut off from sewage and water services provided by the municipality. In any case, the resources you need for daily life are provided by alternative means, not the local government.

There are many reasons why you might wish to live off the grid. You won’t be able to benefit fully from this way of life unless you are both emotionally and physically ready. You can decide whether you should pursue off grid living by considering some major advantages and disadvantages. 

Advantages of Living Off-Grid

A healthier life 

There is no doubt that city life is demanding. And although living off the grid may make the outdoors appear frightening at first, nature can be very healing. For example, you won’t encounter vehicles, people in crowds, engine noises, or other forms of pollution if you live off the grid. Quite the contrary. You’ll wake up to the sound of birds chirping, unwind in the shade of trees, and take a bath in cool, fresh water. For most people, this can ease anxiety and lower stress levels.

Good for the environment 

Due to the expected considerable changes in our way of life over the years, climate change has become a major topic of political debate on a global scale. Relying on renewable energy and avoiding the grid can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Complete control over your life

A large portion of your everyday life depends on the grid. And if the electricity goes out, you are left in the dark and cold. Similarly, you might lose water supply and even spend several days without water, which would cause a major inconvenience. But when you have your own system to handle your heating, water, and energy requirements, you won’t have to worry about power or water outages on the grid.

Flexibility to live virtually anywhere

In the past, there was one essential factor to consider when buying a plot of land to build a house. It was to find a place with utilities or one where they could be added quickly. But because of the affordable cost of solar technology, you can now build almost anywhere. As long as zoning regulations permit it and produce your own clean water and energy.

Saving on utility bills

You won’t need to depend on the power company for your electricity if you live off the grid. Instead, you can use any type of energy you like. Therefore, no more electricity bills for you! Installing solar panels is considered to be the most cost-efficient power generation option. With solar energy, the typical American home can save between $10,000 and $30,000 over the course of 20 years. Micro-hydro systems are also a viable alternative if you have a water source near the property.

Self-sustaining lifestyle

Living in a self-powered home with complete control over your resources, like collecting rainwater or growing your own food, can be very satisfying. Anyone may now build a genuinely sustainable home. Thanks to considerable improvements in the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, together with standalone power generation. Off grid living is not only better for the environment and more cost-effective in the long run. It also offers a more fulfilling, self-sustaining way of life.

Drawbacks of Off Grid Living

• High initial costs — The cost of living off the grid is significantly lower than the alternative. But it usually does require a sizable investment at the onset. Some grid-free transitioners shell out several thousands of dollars for their first infrastructure. Some investments in high-quality supplies and equipment would be needed. You need to make sure to properly take care of them in difficult outdoor conditions. There are also the costs associated with the piece of land, construction, a water system, and electricity. Poor investments could mean the difference between life and death when you’re out in nature.

• You’ll have to do the grunt work —  When connecting to the grid, someone else handles that task for you. The system is being maintained so that wastewater can be removed and power can be delivered to your home. You just pay; there’s no need to stress about it. Off grid living means you’ll be doing the grunt work by yourself.

• Less convenience — When you go off the grid, you will undoubtedly need to make some sacrifices in terms of daily life. Access to pharmacies, grocery stores, and equipment providers will be restricted. Notably, you won’t have access to many expert services for help with basic tasks. Some may be auto repair, plumbing, power, land management, and other essentials.

• Self-reliance during an emergency — Depending on where you live, emergency workers may have trouble contacting you. It’s possible that they can’t get to you because there aren’t accessible roads or because the weather makes it difficult for them to drive. To be ready for an emergency, you should also become familiar with basic mechanical, first aid, and survival techniques.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go Off Grid?

The off-grid lifestyle can be a very fulfilling experience — you may take charge of your life and feel self-sufficient. But you need to ensure you are prepared to make the necessary start-up investments and learn the fundamental skills needed to lead an alternative lifestyle before deciding to live off the grid. This might reduce some of your worries about living off the grid, allowing you to concentrate on getting ready for any situation and avoiding some of the issues that may arise when you do so.

If you’re looking for the perfect plot of land for your off-the-grid home, Discount Lots has a lot to offer. We have plenty of options available for aspiring off-gridders and affordable land prices, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!