The WiFi router is a ubiquitous device in many homes and businesses today. Its ability to provide wireless internet access has revolutionized the way we connect to the internet, but it is also a source of energy consumption and expense. In this article, we will explore the energy consumption and costs of using a WiFi router, and provide some tips on how to save money while still enjoying the benefits of this device.
How To Use This Calculator
Using this energy calculator is a simple and will help you determine the costs of running your appliance. Click on ‘Calculate’ to use the predefined values, or enter your daily usage in hours, appliance watts, and your current energy costs in dollars. The calculator will provide you with the daily, monthly, and yearly results. It’s important to ensure the accuracy of the information entered to get the most accurate results.
Hours Used Per Day
Enter the number of hours you estimate the appliance will be on throughout the day. To use fractions of an hour please use a decimal point in the form.
For example: 1 hour and 30 mintes would be 1.5, and 3 hours and 15 minutes would be 3.25
Power Used in Watts
The calculator already includes a default average wattage. If your appliance uses a different wattage then enter it in the calculator.
Your Energy Rate in kWh
The calculator includes an average energy rate (price in $/kWh) to use for the calculation. This may not be the exact price that you’re currently paying for electricity. If you know your energy rate please enter your price per kilowatt-hour.
Energy Consumption
A typical WiFi router uses approximately 4 watts of electricity. While this may not seem like a lot, it can add up over time, especially if the device is left on 24/7. To put this into perspective, consider that a 100-watt light bulb uses 25 times more energy than a WiFi router. However, unlike a light bulb, a WiFi router is typically left on all the time, which means its energy use can’t be easily controlled simply by turning it off.
To better understand the energy consumption of a WiFi router, imagine that it is like a small computer. This device is constantly transmitting and receiving data, which requires energy. Additionally, it often has multiple antennas and a fan to keep it cool, all of which contribute to its energy consumption.
Why is it important and relevant today?
As we continue to use more and more electronic devices in our homes, energy consumption and efficiency are becoming increasingly important issues. Not only does excess energy use contribute to higher electricity bills, but it also has a negative impact on the environment. By being mindful of our energy use and taking steps to reduce it, we can help conserve resources and reduce our carbon footprint.
Cost in Dollars of Energy Usage
To calculate the cost of using a WiFi router, we need to know the energy price in dollars per kilowatt-hour (kWh). In this example, we will use a current energy price of $0.12/kWh (the default provided above).
The formula for calculating the cost of using a WiFi router is:
Cost = Power (in watts) x Time (in hours) x Energy Price (in dollars/kWh) / 1000Using these values, we can calculate the cost of using a WiFi router for different time periods:
- Daily: 4 watts x 24 hours x $0.12/kWh / 1000 = $0.01/day
- Monthly: $0.01/day x 30 days = $0.30/month
- Yearly: $0.01/day x 365 days = $3.65/year
As you can see, the cost of using a WiFi router is relatively low, but it does add up over time. By being mindful of our energy use and taking steps to reduce it, we can save money and reduce our impact on the environment.
Money Saving Tips
- Turn off your WiFi router when you’re not using it, such as when you’re asleep or away from home. This can save you money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Use a power strip with an on/off switch to easily turn off your WiFi router and other electronics when they’re not in use.
- Upgrade to a more energy-efficient WiFi router. Look for models that are Energy Star certified, as these have been tested and proven to be more efficient than standard models.
- Adjust the settings on your WiFi router to reduce its energy use. For example, you can turn down the transmitter power, which can help save energy without sacrificing performance.
- Consider using a WiFi extender instead of a second router. Extenders help boost the signal strength of your existing router, which can reduce the need for a second device and save energy.
By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bill and reduce your impact on the environment while still enjoying the benefits of a WiFi router.
