Berlin - Internet surfers looking to cut their energy costs should turn their attention to their modem and router. Switching off the devices when they are not in use can save significant money each year, reports the German Energy Agency (DENA).

If there is no on/off switch, then a power strip with a switch can be used to cut power to the devices.

If a device needs to run around the clock because it is connected to a telephone, then in many cases it's possible to at least turn off unnecessary functions like the WLAN. The operating instructions should provide information on how to do this.

A DENA study shows that half of internet users never turn off their modems. (dpa)