Wi‑Fi routers can add about 500 denars to your yearly bill
A router’s constant 24/7 operation can raise electricity costs; turning it off or using timers can reduce bills.
Many households blame refrigerators, boilers or air conditioners for rising power bills, but there’s a less obvious device that runs nonstop: the Wi‑Fi router.
Although a router’s instantaneous power draw is small, it is normally powered 24 hours a day. Many models lack an automatic shutdown or a true sleep mode, so they keep consuming electricity even when no one is actively using the internet.
How much does it cost?
The German Environment Agency (UBA) has noted that routers running around the clock can double their monthly energy use. On average, a Wi‑Fi router costs about 500 denars in electricity per year. By comparison, a modern energy‑efficient refrigerator consumes roughly 900 denars annually.
For larger homes or apartments that use two or three routers, the combined consumption of those devices can quietly surpass the fridge’s usage. If the router also carries a telephone line, experts recommend choosing a model that at least allows the Wi‑Fi signal to be switched off overnight.
A simple habit — switching the router off by hand each night if it has no automatic timer — can cut costs. That small change may save a few thousand denars per year, especially in bigger households.
Practical steps include checking your router’s settings for scheduled Wi‑Fi shutdowns, replacing very old routers with energy‑efficient models, or using a smart plug with a timer to automate nightly power cuts.
Photo: press material from the event
