How to improve battery consumption on Ubuntu systems

Optimizing power consumption is essential for extending battery life on Ubuntu systems. By adjusting system settings and utilizing power management tools, you can significantly reduce energy usage and extend the time your device can run on battery power.

Ubuntu's default configuration is generally efficient, but further improvements can be made. Adjusting display brightness, managing background processes, and disabling unused hardware are key strategies to enhance battery performance.

Using tools like TLP and Powertop allows for advanced power management and monitoring. These tools help identify and address high power consumption areas, ensuring your system remains energy-efficient.

1. Reduce your screen brightness to the lowest comfortable level.

   Reducing screen brightness can significantly improve battery life. However, ensure it's at a level that doesn't strain your eyes.

2. Install and start the TLP power management tool for automatic optimization.

   $ sudo apt update && sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw

   TLP provides advanced power management and can optimize various settings automatically.

3. Start the TLP service.

   $ sudo tlp start

4. Disable unused hardware like Bluetooth when not needed.

   $ sudo rfkill block bluetooth

   Remember to enable Bluetooth again when needed using:

   $ sudo rfkill unblock bluetooth

5. Turn off unnecessary startup applications.
6. Set the display to turn off or put the system to sleep after a period of inactivity.
7. Use integrated graphics instead of dedicated graphics for non-intensive tasks.

   $ sudo prime-select intel

8. Monitor power consumption using Powertop and adjust settings based on its recommendations.

   $ sudo apt install powertop && sudo powertop

   With powertop, you can identify processes or services consuming high power and take action accordingly.

9. Regularly update your system to benefit from the latest power management optimizations.

   $ sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

10. Consider using a lightweight desktop environment like LXDE or XFCE to reduce resource usage.