Does a router consume a lot of electricity?

The Hidden Power Consumption of Routers

Home routers, despite their compact size, are constantly consuming electricity, amounting to a significant contribution to overall energy usage. This power consumption, often overlooked, can have a noticeable impact on electricity bills over time, especially for budget-conscious users.

Typical Router Power Consumption

Home routers generally draw power between 5 and 20 watts, depending on factors such as the manufacturer, model, and features. While this may seem like a modest amount, it adds up over time, considering that routers operate continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Long-Term Energy Usage

Assuming an average power consumption of 10 watts, a router would consume 10 x 24 x 365 = 87,600 watt-hours of electricity per year. This equates to approximately 88 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

At an average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh, the annual cost of electricity for a router would be around $10.56. While this may not seem like a significant expense, it is important to note that this cost is fixed, regardless of the router’s usage.

Factors Affecting Power Consumption

The power consumption of a router can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Number of connected devices: The more devices connected to the router, the higher the power consumption.
• Type of wireless technology: Newer wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, tend to consume more power than older technologies like Wi-Fi 5.
• Features: Routers with additional features, such as built-in parental controls, network monitoring, or file sharing, typically consume more power.

Energy-Saving Tips

To minimize the power consumption of routers, consider the following tips:

• Unplug the router when not in use: If the router is not being used, for example, when going on vacation, unplug it from the power outlet.
• Use an energy-efficient router: Look for routers that are advertised as energy-efficient or have a low power consumption rating.
• Reduce the number of connected devices: Disconnect any devices that are not actively using the internet, such as unused guest devices.
• Disable unused features: If certain features are not needed, such as parental controls or file sharing, disable them to save power.

By following these tips, users can reduce the power consumption of their routers, leading to lower electricity bills and a more environmentally friendly home network.