In today’s world, we are surrounded by various gadgets, and one of the most common is the television. Whether it’s catching up on the latest shows, watching a sports game, or relaxing with a movie, the TV is central to many households. But have you ever stopped to think about how much electricity your TV uses? While it might not seem like a big deal, understanding your TV’s energy consumption can help you better manage your household energy use, save on your electricity bills, and even make smarter decisions about your energy sources—like switching to solar power.
How Many Watts of Electricity Does a TV Use?
So, how many watts does a TV really use? The answer depends on several factors like the size, type, and features of the television. On average, a modern LED TV uses anywhere between 30 to 100 watts per hour of operation. However, larger TVs, such as those over 50 inches, can consume up to 150 watts or more.
For example, if you have a 55-inch LED TV that consumes about 100 watts, here’s a simple way to calculate how much energy it uses in a day:
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Find the average daily use: Let’s assume you watch TV for 4 hours a day.
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Calculate daily consumption: Multiply the watts by the number of hours used. In this case, 100 watts x 4 hours = 400 watt-hours per day.
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Convert to kilowatt-hours (kWh): Since energy is usually billed in kilowatt-hours, divide the result by 1,000. So, 400 watt-hours ÷ 1,000 = 0.4 kWh per day.
Now, to see how much it costs to run your TV, you can multiply this by your local electricity rate. For instance, if your rate is $0.12 per kWh, the daily cost of running your TV would be 0.4 kWh x $0.12 = $0.048, or about 5 cents a day.
If you’re using your TV for longer hours or have a bigger model, this number will naturally increase.
How Much Energy Does a TV Use Annually?
The following table shows the annual consumption for TVs with different wattages, assuming they are used for 4 hours per day.
| TV Wattage (W) | Daily Usage (hours) | Daily Energy (kWh) | Annual Energy Usage (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60W | 4 | 0.24 kWh | 87.6 kWh |
| 80W | 4 | 0.32 kWh | 116.8 kWh |
| 100W | 4 | 0.40 kWh | 146 kWh |
| 120W | 4 | 0.48 kWh | 175.2 kWh |
| 140W | 4 | 0.56 kWh | 204.4 kWh |
| 160W | 4 | 0.64 kWh | 233.6 kWh |
| 180W | 4 | 0.72 kWh | 262.8 kWh |
| 200W | 4 | 0.80 kWh | 292 kWh |
As you can see, the higher the wattage of your TV, the more energy it consumes over time. For instance, a 60-watt TV only uses about 87.6 kWh annually, while a 200-watt TV can use up to 292 kWh if watched for 4 hours daily.
To put this in perspective, depending on your electricity rate, a 200-watt TV might cost you around $35 annually if your rate is $0.12 per kWh.
How Much Energy Do Different Types of TVs Use?
TVs come in various types, and their energy consumption can vary significantly depending on the technology they use. Let’s take a look at the typical energy usage of the most common TV types: LED, LCD, OLED, CRT, and Plasma.
Here's a breakdown of the average hourly power consumption for each type of TV:
| TV Type | Typical Wattage (W) | Hourly Energy Usage (kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| LED TV | 30 - 100W | 0.03 - 0.1 kWh |
| LCD TV | 50 - 150W | 0.05 - 0.15 kWh |
| OLED TV | 60 - 120W | 0.06 - 0.12 kWh |
| CRT TV | 100 - 200W | 0.1 - 0.2 kWh |
| Plasma TV | 150 - 300W | 0.15 - 0.3 kWh |
Explanation:
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LED TVs are among the most energy-efficient, typically using between 30 to 100 watts per hour depending on the size and model. They’re the most common type of TV today and are a great choice if you’re looking to reduce energy use.
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LCD TVs consume slightly more power, averaging 50 to 150 watts per hour. While not as efficient as LED TVs, LCD models still perform better than older technologies.
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OLED TVs are known for their stunning display quality, but they tend to use more energy than LED TVs, ranging between 60 to 120 watts per hour. Despite their slightly higher power usage, they remain a popular option for their vibrant visuals.
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CRT TVs (those old bulky ones) consume between 100 to 200 watts per hour. While they’re largely outdated, some households still have them, and they are notably less energy-efficient.
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Plasma TVs, which were popular a decade ago, use 150 to 300 watts per hour. They’re the most energy-hungry of the bunch, and if you still have one, upgrading to a more energy-efficient TV could save you a considerable amount on your electricity bill.
As you can see, the type of TV you own can have a big impact on your energy usage. If you’re looking to cut down on electricity costs, an LED TV would be the most energy-efficient choice, while older models like CRT and Plasma TVs are best replaced with newer technologies.
Average Power Consumption by Common TV Sizes and Standby Power Usage
Larger TVs generally use more power, but standby mode can also contribute to energy use, even when the TV is off. Here's a look at 10 common TV sizes across different types, showing their typical power usage during normal operation and in standby mode:
| TV Size (inches) | TV Type | Power Usage (W) | Standby Power (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32" | LED | 30W | 0.5W |
| 32" | LCD | 50W | 1W |
| 40" | LED | 60W | 0.5W |
| 40" | OLED | 80W | 1W |
| 43" | LED | 70W | 0.5W |
| 50" | OLED | 90W | 1W |
| 55" | LED | 100W | 0.5W |
| 60" | LCD | 120W | 1W |
| 65" | OLED | 130W | 1W |
| 75" | LED | 150W | 0.5W |
Explanation:
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LED TVs tend to be the most energy-efficient across various sizes. For instance, a 32-inch LED TV only uses about 30 watts during regular use, and as little as 0.5 watts in standby mode.
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LCD TVs, although less efficient than LEDs, still perform reasonably well. A 32-inch LCD TV typically consumes 50 watts, and 1 watt in standby mode.
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OLED TVs are more power-hungry compared to LED models. A 55-inch OLED TV consumes around 90 to 130 watts, depending on size, and typically uses 1 watt in standby mode.
Standby mode may seem insignificant, but over time, that 0.5 to 1 watt of continuous power adds up. In fact, standby power consumption accounts for a noticeable portion of annual energy usage if you leave your TV plugged in all the time.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a TV in the U.S.?
On average, U.S. residents spend about $135.25 per month on electricity, with TVs contributing a notable portion to this bill. The actual cost of running a TV depends on factors such as the TV's wattage, how many hours it's used, and where you live, as electricity prices vary greatly by state.
For example, the average U.S. electricity rate is about $0.1596 per kWh. So, if you run a 100-watt TV for 5 hours a day, you'd consume 0.5 kWh daily (100W ÷ 1,000 = 0.1 kWh × 5 hours = 0.5 kWh). Over a month, that adds up to 15 kWh, costing you about $2.39 (15 kWh × $0.1596/kWh).
Average Monthly and Yearly TV Electricity Costs by State
Below is a breakdown of the monthly and yearly costs of running a 100W TV in different U.S. states, based on their average electricity rates:
| State | Electricity Rate (¢/kWh) | Monthly Cost (100W TV, 5h/day) | Yearly Cost (100W TV, 5h/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 26.69 | $4.00 | $48.02 |
| Texas | 13.30 | $1.99 | $23.86 |
| New York | 23.70 | $3.55 | $42.60 |
| Florida | 13.37 | $2.00 | $24.06 |
| Hawaii | 44.09 | $6.60 | $79.99 |
| Washington | 10.49 | $1.57 | $18.97 |
| Massachusetts | 24.81 | $3.72 | $44.66 |
| Alabama | 14.25 | $2.14 | $25.69 |
This table highlights the impact that varying electricity rates can have on TV operating costs. States like Hawaii and California, with their high rates, naturally incur much higher costs than states like Texas or Washington, which benefit from lower rates.
Simple Ways to Reduce Your TV's Energy Usage
Here are four practical methods to help you cut down on energy consumption:
1. Reduce Standby Time
Many people don’t realize that TVs consume power even when they're off, thanks to standby mode. A TV in standby mode can use anywhere from 0.5 to 1 watt per hour, which may not seem like much, but it adds up over time. To reduce this wasted energy, you can either:
- Turn off the power strip when the TV is not in use.
- Unplug the TV if it won’t be used for an extended period.
2. Adjust Brightness and Contrast Settings
Most TVs come with default settings that are brighter than necessary, leading to higher power usage. You can save energy by:
- Lowering the brightness and contrast settings to a comfortable level for your room's lighting.
- Using an energy-saving mode that automatically optimizes the display settings for efficiency.
This simple adjustment can reduce your TV's energy consumption by as much as 30%.
3. Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR-Certified TV
If you're in the market for a new TV, consider choosing one with an ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR TVs are designed to consume significantly less electricity without sacrificing performance. On average, they use 25-30% less energy than standard models. This reduction in energy use not only lowers your electricity bill but also reduces your household's carbon footprint.
4. Use Solar Panels and Home Storage Batteries
One of the most efficient ways to reduce your overall energy usage is by switching to renewable energy sources. By installing solar panels paired with a home storage battery, you can power your TV and other household devices using the sun’s energy.
This is where SEL's home storage battery system can make a big difference. Our battery systems store excess solar energy during the day so you can use it later, even at night. This allows you to run your TV and other appliances without drawing electricity from the grid, significantly lowering your monthly energy costs and reducing your environmental impact.
With solar panels and a reliable battery storage system like SEL’s, you can essentially power your TV for free once the installation is in place. Plus, any surplus energy can be used for other household appliances, further enhancing your savings and sustainability.
How Many Solar Panels Does It Take to Run a TV?
To run a TV, you'll need to calculate the number of solar panels based on the TV's power consumption and the panel's output.
- Determine the TV’s power consumption: Check the TV’s wattage, usually found on the label or in the manual. For example, if the TV uses 100 watts.
- Find out the solar panel’s output: A standard solar panel produces around 300 watts per hour.
- Calculate the number of panels: Divide the TV’s wattage by the panel’s output. For a 100-watt TV and a 300-watt panel, you would need approximately 0.33 panels (100 / 300 = 0.33).
This means a single solar panel can easily cover the power needed to run a TV, assuming it’s sunny. For a reliable and efficient solar energy setup, consider our solar systems at SEL, designed to meet your needs.
