Reduce the electricity consumption of your internet and TV box
A box on 24/7 consumes as much as a fridge! Should it be turned off at night?
Recommended Materials
- Programmable socket
- Power strip with switch
Steps to follow
Step 1
The observation: An Internet Box consumes between 10 and 20 Watts permanently, 24 hours a day. The TV decoder consumes the same amount, even in standby mode. In total, it's around 200 to 300 kWh per year, or €40 to €60 on your electricity bill. It's the equivalent of a fridge!
Step 2
The radical solution (At night): If you don't need the landline at night or to download updates, turn off your Internet Box when you go to bed. You will save 30% of its consumption.
Step 3
Automation: Use a mechanical programmable socket (€5) to cut off power to the box automatically from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. Please note, some boxes take time to restart in the morning (2-3 minutes).
Step 4
The TV decoder: It is STRICTLY useless when the TV is turned off. However, it often remains hot (active standby). Plug it into a power strip with a switch along with the TV and console, and turn everything off in the evening.
Step 5
WiFi: Most boxes have a button to turn off WiFi or a time schedule in the interface. It saves a little bit of energy, but above all it reduces exposure to waves at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it damage the box ?
Electronic components do not like repeated thermal shocks (heating/cooling). But since the box is often rented and replaced every 3-5 years, the risk for you is minimal. On the other hand, do not cut during an update (often at night).
Home automation ?
If you have surveillance cameras, a connected alarm or a WiFi thermostat, you MUST NOT turn off the box, otherwise nothing works!
Precautions
- Do not cut during an update (often at night).
- Wait 2-3 min when restarting in the morning.
