Given the significant growth potential in households' energy consumption in China, studying household consumption behavior becomes even more valuable. This study explores factors influencing the shift in households' energy-saving preferences from habitual energy-saving behavior to consumption-oriented energy-saving behavior, as well as to analyze the potential for using other green alternatives to traditional energy in energy consumption. Empirical results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between household income and energy consumption, occurring when energy-saving awareness (ESA) exceeds a critical threshold. Below this threshold, household income is positively correlated with energy consumption. Further analysis indicated that once income exceeds the turning point, households' higher ESA leads to reduced energy consumption, indicating potential for green alternatives in higher-income households. Overall, the study highlights how awareness and income interact to shape energy-saving choices, emphasizing the potential for sustainable energy options in affluent households.