Internet routers identified as continuous household energy consumers

Internet routers are highlighted as devices that consume electricity 24 hours a day, often unnoticed by households. While major appliances like water heaters, stoves, and air conditioners are typically viewed as the primary drivers of high electricity bills, routers remain active even when not in use, such as during sleep, work, or vacations.

To mitigate energy costs, experts suggest prioritizing energy efficiency when purchasing new hardware. Consumers should check energy consumption data for both standard operation and standby modes. For households where routers cannot be fully powered down due to integrated landline telephone services, selecting models that support automatic Wi-Fi scheduling can reduce energy usage during nighttime or periods when the home is unoccupied.