How Much Does it Cost to Have a Television On?
While televisions are common household appliances, they consume a relatively small portion of monthly electricity usage. Advances in TV technology have led to larger, higher-definition screens, yet TVs remain energy-efficient. However, using your TV still incurs a cost, which can accumulate with frequent use.
The cost of operating a TV depends on several factors, primarily the TV’s wattage, your local electricity rate, and how long you use the TV. Wattage, measured in watts, indicates the rate at which electricity flows through an appliance. Higher wattage generally means higher electricity consumption. You can usually find your TV’s wattage in the manual, on the back of the device, or by searching online. To calculate kilowatts (kW), multiply amps and volts and divide by 1000: Kilowatts = (Amps x Volts) / 1000.
The average electricity cost in the U.S. is around 16¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but this varies depending on your location and electricity provider. Some areas allow consumers to choose their electricity provider for better rates. By multiplying your TV’s wattage (in kW) by your electricity rate and the number of hours you use the TV, you can estimate your daily or monthly cost.
Different types and sizes of TVs have varying energy consumption rates. LCD TVs generally consume more energy than LED TVs, while Plasma TVs tend to use the most electricity. For instance, a 50-inch LCD TV might use 150 watts, while a comparable LED TV might use only 100 watts. A Plasma TV of the same size could consume significantly more, potentially around 300 watts.
To reduce your TV’s energy consumption and cost, consider these strategies: limiting TV usage, turning off the TV when not in use (including standby mode), investing in an energy-efficient TV with a good Energy Star rating, adjusting the brightness to a lower setting or utilizing Eco mode, setting a sleep timer to automatically turn off the TV after a period of inactivity.
Modern TVs often feature an “Eco” mode that automatically adjusts brightness throughout the day, optimizing energy usage. Even without this feature, manually lowering the brightness can make a difference. A sleep timer ensures the TV turns off after a set period of inactivity, preventing wasted energy and cost.
Choosing an energy-efficient TV with a good Energy Star rating can significantly impact long-term cost savings. The Energy Star rating, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, offers standardized information about appliance energy efficiency, helping consumers make informed decisions.
