Virtually everyone has one in their home, but here’s why it should stay on no matter what
17:57, 15 Aug 2025Updated 17:57, 15 Aug 2025
The tech isn’t just vital to keeping you connected, but also to keep you safe(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Broadband users hoping to secure a solid and reliable internet connection should be aware of some simple advice if they’re looking to minimise their energy bill ahead of Winter.
The energy price cap has still not gone down below figures we saw in 2021, currently sat at around 25.7, with the average cost of powering a home at 51.37p a day. Many people try to get around the soaring costs by keeping things they aren’t using switched off for as long as possible. However, before you start unplugging essential household devices like your Wi-Fi router when going to bed, you might want to reconsider.
Following the price change, the cost of running a broadband router daily will amount to a maximum of 14p, which totals around £50 per year. While turning off your router may save a few pennies daily, doing so could seriously disrupt your internet connection.
Most of the UK’s leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including Sky and BT, recommend keeping their internet equipment switched on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
There are several important reasons for this recommendation. One is the necessity of crucial security updates, which are typically applied overnight.
If you prevent your router from receiving the latest upgrades and software patches, you could expose your network to bugs and cyberattacks.
Additionally, if you continuously switch off your router, ISPs might mistakenly believe there is an instability or fault in your area. Once this is noted, suppliers often reduce speeds to maintain a connection for customers.
Aman Bhatti, Director of Propositions for Sky Broadband, told Express.co.uk: “We know our routers are put through their paces during the day—whether on video calls, streaming shows, or online gaming. That’s why our routers undergo firmware updates overnight to avoid any unnecessary disruption during the day.
“Switching off your router overnight can impede automatic software updates and optimisations, which can impact overall performance, speed, and stability of your broadband. Other connected devices in your home that rely on the router will also suffer from delayed updates.
“All our current hubs are EU Eco Design Regulation approved, meaning they use energy efficiently.”
BT shares similar advice with its users, stating: “It’s important to keep your Hub switched on and connected at all times. This ensures you receive the fastest and most stable service and that your hub stays updated.
“Constantly switching off the hub makes the line appear unstable, which can lead to an automatic reduction in speed to improve your broadband connection’s reliability.”
If you’re seeking ways to reduce your expenditures, a great idea would be to avoid leaving TVs and gaming consoles on standby.
For example, leaving a 4K TV on standby can cost around £24 per year, while a PS5 left running can add an expense of £12 annually, even when not in use.
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