How Much Electricity Does a TV Use?
In many households, the television is where families gather to wind down at the end of the day and enjoy content ranging from masterful storytelling to mindless entertainment. No matter which shows and movies you choose to consume, your TV will use a certain amount of electricity to transmit it into your home.
So, how can you figure out just how much energy your TV uses? Join us as we compare the most popular TV types to help you determine how much electricity your tube uses.
How much power does your TV use?
TV technology has come a long way over the years. Here’s a general guide to how much energy each model uses in wattage:
LED TVs
Average energy consumption: 30-100 watts per hour
LED televisions are among the most energy-efficient options on the market. They use light-emitting diodes to create a bright, clear picture on the screen with little power consumption.
LCD TVs
Average energy consumption: 50-150 watts per hour
LCD TVs are very similar to LED styles. In fact, the only notable difference is that these models use fluorescent backlights that demand slightly more power to operate.
OLED TVs
Average energy consumption: 30-200 watts per hour
OLED TVs are the newest generation of LED technology. They don’t require a backlight, relying instead on a thin carbon film that produces light when it encounters electricity. In turn, small, modern models are particularly efficient.
Plasma TVs
Average energy consumption: 100-300 watts per hour
TV enthusiasts looking for the ultimate screen quality often rave about the unmatched clarity of their plasma televisions. However, these models sacrifice energy efficiency for this clarity, boasting some of the highest electricity consumption rates of all TV styles — which can bump up your electric bill.
CRT TVs
Average energy consumption: 60-150 watts per hour
Bulky, old-school CRT TVs land somewhere in the middle of the modern selections. They’re not as power-hungry as plasma-screen TVs, but they also don’t offer the picture quality, clarity, or brightness that newer televisions feature. As such, their energy requirements are mid-range to heavy.
How much electricity does a TV use vs other appliances?
When you compare the energy consumption of your TV to other appliances around your house, you might not worry so much about the electricity required to watch the big game. Here’s a little perspective on how much electricity the other devices in your house likely use:
TV vs HVAC system
Most HVAC systems use between 3,000 and 5,000 watts (or 3 to 5 kilowatts) of electricity per hour to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. You can expect your air conditioner to have a much greater impact on your utility bill each month than your TV — even if you keep your favorite shows on throughout the day for background noise.
TV vs dishwashers
The average dishwasher requires around 1,800 watts per hour. In other words, it uses six times the energy of a standard 65-inch plasma-screen TV.
TV vs water heaters
Electric water heaters consume about 4,000 watts per hour. This makes sense when you think about having hot water for showers, laundry, and running the dishwasher.
What factors affect how much electricity your TV uses?
Of course, the wattage estimates above are general averages to give you an idea of each style’s energy consumption. Here are the other factors that will impact how much electricity your TV uses:
Size of the TV
Naturally, large TVs require more energy than smaller models using the same technology. They feature more lighting, wiring, and other critical components that jack up the amps required to keep them running
Age of the TV
Display panels have become substantially more energy-efficient in recent years, so your 10-year-old LED TV will likely use more electricity than a newer model. Electronic devices can become less efficient as they age, so a television that uses 150 watts per hour at the time of purchase will typically draw more energy over time.
Type of TV
Clearly, the type of TV you own makes a big difference in how much power is needed to keep it running. LEDs, OLEDs, and LCDs tend to use less energy than plasma TVs. Additionally, power expenditure may also vary based on the TV brand you choose.
Smart speakers, surround-sound systems, and similar acoustic devices will also add to the overall energy load of your entertainment setup.
TV usage
The amount of time your TV is on throughout the day will also impact your overall energy expenses. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption, consider rocking out to tunes on your favorite radio station.
Explore more ways to save energy from the pros at Young Cardinal Electric!
Whether you’re setting up your portable projector for an outdoor movie night or searching for the ultimate energy-efficient TV for binge-watching your favorite series, the experts at Young Cardinal Electric are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our services, or schedule a home visit from one of our trusted electricians!