It’s very easy to understand how a big, high-draw appliance like a new hot tub or air conditioner can impact your electricity bill. However, your TV can cause an increase in how much electricity you use. If you’ve been looking at a new 48” TV, we have some information you might find interesting before you make the purchase.
How Much Energy Do Televisions Use?
When it comes to modern televisions is hard to describe what “common” means. However, there is a wide range of energy consumption depending on the TV. TVs can consume anywhere from 80 watts to 500 watts. In more understandable terms, the difference can be between paying $15 to $100 in electricity bills. Of course, you can’t compare these prices to what you would pay for a high-efficiency HVAC system or all the lights in your home, but it’s definitely something to note if you’re about to purchase a new TV.
What Factors Impact TV Energy Use?
You may think the most important factor to determine energy use is the size. Size is important, however, the technology that the TV uses is what matters here. The most common TV display technologies are:
- LCD screens – LCD stands for liquid crystal display, which is the most commonly used. It is fairly energy-efficient, only a bit behind LEDs in terms of efficiency.
- LED screens – Just like the lightbulbs, LED screens are the best option for energy efficiency. They are the least costly to run. They are a modified version of LCS, they use a LED backlight instead of an energy-draining lighting option.
- Plasma televisions – This is not an efficient technology, plasma TVs can only be made in some of the largest sizes. This makes plasma TVs the least energy-efficient.
How Much Energy Does My TV Use?
This is a very good question and easy to answer. Energy Guide labels have been mandatory for about 10 years by the requirement of the FTC. This makes it easier for consumers to identify the energy system they will be using, as well as an estimate of the annual cost to run the TV. Energy Guide labels are black and yellow and they should be placed on the back, bottom, or side of the TV.
You need to be aware of the fact that the label assumes you’ll have your TV on the default settings and on minimal to moderate usage. The actual price to run the television can be higher than what the label says, but not by a whole lot.
How Much Will a New TV Impact My Electricity Bill?
On a monthly basis, not so much. However, if you’re thinking of a major upgrade or looking to switch to a plasma TV for the better quality it’s possible you’ll notice a small increase in your electricity yearly spending.
If the case is that you’re energy conscious and you’re looking to reduce your energy use, our experts at East-West Electric recommend sticking to LCD or LED TVs. If you’re not sure or you don’t want to make too much of a leap in energy use, look for the black and yellow Energy Guide labels and compare it with the TV you already have.
Energy-Efficient Electrical Services At East-West Electric
Our experienced and licensed electricians provide residential and commercial electrical services in Clearwater, Fl. If you’re looking for energy-efficient lighting installation or if you need rewiring or updating your home’s electrical system, you can count on East-West Electric for the best solutions you need. Call us today at (727) 771-9403!
