In 2025, Poles are facing further challenges related to their home budget, and rising electricity prices become 1 of the main concerns. After a period of price freeze, fresh tariffs can importantly burden our portfolios. However, fewer people realize that there is simply a quiet power eater in all home that works 24 hours a day, even erstwhile all the household sleeps. Its exclusion for just a fewer hours at night can bring amazing savings, reaching up to 150 PLN per year. It's a simple change of habit that doesn't require any investment but only conscious action.
We are talking about a set that has become a home amusement and communication center: Wi-Fi router and tv decoder. These 2 devices, frequently seen as essential for operation around the clock, actually make fixed, unnecessary costs at night. Analysis of their power consumption in standby mode or low activity reveals the scale of the problem. Implementation of a simple habit of turning them off overnight is 1 of the most effective and simplest ways to actually reduce electricity bills in the coming year.
A hidden power eater we forget. How much does it truly cost?
Most of us don't think about the energy consumption of devices that "just work" in the background. The Wi-Fi router constantly sends and receives signals, and the diodes on its enclosure shine continuously. Similarly, the tv decoder, even in "standby" mode, frequently takes a large amount of energy to be ready to run immediately, download updates or evidence programs. It is this apparent inaction that is simply a costly trap.
Let's do a simple calculation based on real data and forecast current prices for 2025. Assuming that the average price for 1 kWh (kilwatohour) together with distribution fees will be about PLN 1.80, we can accurately estimation yearly savings.
- Power consumption: The modern Wi-Fi router combined with the 4K decoder (especially with PVR recording function) can charge a full of 20 to 30 watts (W) in continuous operation or standby mode. Let's take a conservative average value. 28 W.
- Off time: We turn off the devices for 8 hours at night (e.g. from 11:00 to 7:00).
- Daily energy savings: 28 W * 8 h = 224 Wh (watt hours) per day.
- Annual energy savings: 224 Wh * 365 days = 81,760 Wh, which gives 81,76 kWh (kilowato hours) a year.
- Annual financial savings: 81,76 kWh * 1,80 PLN/kWh = 147,17 zł.
As you can see, the amount close to 150 PLN per year is as real as possible. It's money that virtually escapes from our home while we sleep. Importantly, excluding these devices, we not only save money, but besides reduce energy consumption, which has a affirmative impact on the environment.
Is turning off the router for the night safe and practical?
Several myths have arisen around the subject of turning off the network equipment, which is worth displacing. Many people fear that regular power cutting can harm delicate electronics or be simply uncomfortable. But the fact is different.
Myth 1: Frequent shutdown reduces the life of the device. That's not true. Modern routers and decoders are designed to withstand on and off cycles. This can be compared to rebooting a computer – sometimes it is advisable, due to the fact that it allows to clear the device's cache memory and can improve its stableness and velocity of operation. A regular “rest” can even extend the life of the components, protecting them from overheating.
Myth 2: It's impractical and embarrassing. regular reaching behind the RTV cabinet to unplug the plugs can be onerous. Fortunately, there are simple and inexpensive solutions. The best is to connect the router and decoder to 1 power strip with switch. Then just 1 click before bedtime. An even more convenient option is Smart plug, which can be controlled from the app on the telephone or set an automatic agenda – e.g. off at midnight and on at 6 am. The cost of specified a socket (30-50 zł) is reimbursed in respective months.
Step by step: How to implement the effortlessly saving habit?
This simple change in life is easier than it seems. 3 steps to start saving almost immediately:
- Identify and group the culprits: find your Wi-Fi router and tv decoder. If they are connected to different sockets, strap them into 1 power strip with a physical switch. This is simply a key step that will simplify the process.
- Set a fixed time: Turn off the slat in your evening routine, like brushing your teeth or setting your alarm clock. Do it as your last act before going to bed. In the morning, erstwhile you wake up, turn on the slat with 1 click.
- Automate process: If you value maximum comfort, invest in a smart socket. Take 5 minutes to configure it in the application, setting the agenda for automatic switching on and off. From now on, the strategy will save money for you.
What else does it consume erstwhile you sleep? List of the biggest culprits
Router and decoder are leaders in the waste of energy, but they're not the only ones. erstwhile you have implemented the habit of turning them off, pay attention to another devices operating in standby mode. Their combined intake may be equally significant.
- Standby TV: Modern TVs are more energy-efficient, but older models can download up to a twelve watts.
- Chargers in sockets: Even without a connected phone, the charger takes a minimum amount of power. On a yearly basis, with respective chargers, the sum may be noticeable.
- Computer in sleep mode: Sleep mode is convenient, but inactive uses energy to sustain RAM. A full shut-down of the computer for the night is pure savings.
- Audio equipment and game consoles: Stereo towers, soundbars and consoles frequently have a "fast start" mode that is very energetic.
In the face of inevitable increases in electricity prices in 2025, each saved gold has meaning. Disabling the router and decoder for the night is simply a symbolic but highly effective step towards a more informed management of the home budget. This proves that tiny changes in regular habits can bring real, measurable financial benefits.
Continued here:
Turn off that 1 device at home for the night. Your electricity bill could be down 150 PLN!
