Energy Efficiency E-Library > Televisions

Televisions

When combined with related products such as DVD players and set-top boxes, today's TVs account for about 10 per cent of a household's annual electricity bill.

Here are some tips for reducing the power consumption of your current TV, and to help you make a Power Smart choice when purchasing a new one.

Your TV: saving electricity

Here are a few tips for reducing the amount of energy used by your current TV:

Switch off the TV when no one is watching.
Switch off the power bar. Typically, a TV is plugged into a power bar along with other devices such as DVD players, VCRs or surround sound systems. By switching the power bar off, you can conserve energy because your TV and associated devices won't be drawing unnecessary power (this is also known as "phantom load").
Watch TV together. It is common for homes to have multiple TVs and for them to be used by members of the household at the same time. Conserve energy and increase your enjoyment by watching TV together.
Watch less TV. Instead of sitting on the couch watching TV, why not take the opportunity to read a book or go for a bike ride instead?
Adjust your TV's settings. Depending on the programming and your TV's capabilities, you can adjust its settings to conserve energy. With LCD TVs, reducing the level of backlight can reduce energy consumption. With Plasma TVs, adjusting the contrast level can also result in energy savings. Some models also have a "power-saver" mode. Enable this for even more energy savings.

Shopping for a new TV

To buy a TV that isn't an energy hog:

Consider an ENERGY STAR® TV. TVs with the ENERGY STAR use about 30 per cent less energy than standard units and are rated to consume 1 Watt or less when switched off.
Check the consumption information. If you decide not to go with an ENERGY STAR TV, read the fine print about consumption. Power usage, including standby usage, can vary widely – even within the product lines of a single manufacturer.
Size matters. When shopping for a TV, purchase one only as large you require, as larger TVs consume more energy.
Consider TVs that use LCD or plasma technology. LCD or plasma TVs are more energy efficient than CRTs of the same size. With normal usage, it is generally accepted that LCDs are more energy efficient then plasmas.

Fun fact: less TV, big savings

If every household in B.C. turned off their televisions, DVD players and stereos for two hours per day they would save 375 GWh or $23.5 million. That is enough energy to power 1,000 televisions for five hours per day for 1,000 years.

Plasma TVs and power usage

Power usage changes depending on what is being watched.

Plasmas have lower power consumption than LCD with darker pictures (example: movies)
Plasmas have higher power consumption than LCD with bright pictures (example: hockey games)
Plasmas generate more heat; requiring additional room cooling

LCD TVs and power usage

Power usage is constant, no matter what is being watched
LCDs have higher power consumption than plasma with darker pictures (example: movies)
LCDs have lower power consumption than plasma with bright pictures (example: hockey games)
LCDs usually have settings for a lower lamp level, which saves power

TV technology: what's next?

LED Backlit LCD TVs will further reduce energy consumption
New ENERGY STAR guidelines to further improve energy efficiency for TVs and set-top boxes are coming soon
New plasma technology to increase energy efficiency

TV power usage, in-depth

For further information, including a comparison chart of HDTV power consumption, check out CNET's quick guide on TV power consumption.