Five TV Adjustments to Cut Down Your Energy Costs

Modern televisions consume a lot less power compared to older models from about ten years ago. This is largely because today's TV screens are optimized for energy efficiency. For perspective, older TVs can cost around $54 annually in electricity usage. In contrast, modern LED-backlit versions usually cost about $32 per year due to their reduced energy consumption.

Screen size, however, plays a crucial role in power consumption—bigger screens generally draw more power. But, a few tweaks in your TV's settings can curb electricity use every time you switch it on. Even a minor reduction in your power bill helps manage expenses effectively.

Understanding Energy Efficiency Ratings

If you’re considering a new TV purchase, the EnergyGuide label and ENERGY STAR rating are essential tools in evaluating energy efficiency. Displayed on TVs, these labels provide a standardized measure to compare differently branded models.

These ratings range from A to G, where A signifies peak energy efficiency. However, finding a TV with an A rating is uncommon. Smart TVs often land between D and E, denoting a good balance of energy efficiency. Furthermore, an ENERGY STAR certification ensures that the TV consumes at least 25% less energy than standard models. Although these energy-efficient TVs might have a higher initial cost, savings on your energy bill can quickly compensate for this.

Step 1: Reduce Brightness Levels

Adjusting the brightness of your TV can not only enhance your viewing pleasure but also cut down on power costs. Excessive brightness can sometimes degrade picture quality and is not worth the extra electricity it consumes. Many new TVs have automatic brightness sensors that adapt to the surrounding light conditions.

Look for 'Eco' or 'Movie' mode settings on your TV, which often optimize both energy use and visual quality. Lower brightness not only eases eye strain but also helps save on electricity.

Step 2: Utilize Sleep Timers

For those who like falling asleep with the TV on, it's practical to use the sleep timer feature. This function powers down the TV automatically when it detects inactivity over a set duration, like two hours, thereby minimizing energy waste without disturbing your sleep.

Alternatively, using the standby mode can ensure your TV turns off after a period without interaction.

Step 3: Shutdown the Display When Playing Music

When streaming music through your TV, the visuals aren’t necessary. Some TVs offer an option to turn off the display entirely while playing audio. If not, reducing the screen brightness achieves a similar effect.

This approach also applies to times when the TV serves merely as ambient noise. Cut power by minimizing display use while still enjoying the audio.

Step 4: Disconnect Power When Not in Use

Though TVs consume less energy than many home appliances, like refrigerators, they continue to draw small amounts of power in standby mode. To maximize savings, unplug or use a power strip to cut off power completely when not in use.

Step 5: Power Consumption and Picture Quality

OLED TVs are noteworthy for their efficiency, utilizing innovative pixels that can turn off independently, achieving superb contrast and reduced energy usage. Compared to constantly backlit conventional LCDs, OLED technology is considerably more energy-efficient by enabling pixels to darken individually during shadowy scenes.

If evaluating new TVs, consider OLEDs with an ENERGY STAR certification, preferably with a D EnergyGuide rating. However, understand that higher resolutions like 4K require more pixels, hence more energy. Consider your viewing habits—most content is still in lower resolutions. Assessing how often 4K is needed will help decide if it's worth the higher energy draw.

Common Questions

Are modern TVs more energy-efficient?

Indeed. With technological advancements, newer TVs use significantly less power. LED-backlit screens are much more efficient than older LCD displays, and OLED TVs take efficiency a step further.

Which TV is the most energy-efficient?

Currently, OLED TVs lead in energy efficiency, offering superior brightness, slender design, and significant energy savings.

How much can I save by adopting energy-saving features?

Employing energy-saving options can lead to substantial electricity savings. TVs with ENERGY STAR certifications generally consume 25% less power than their standard counterparts.

Does size impact energy usage?

Yes, larger screens typically demand more energy. However, newer technologies have lessened this impact significantly.

Is upgrading to a newer, efficient model worthwhile?

If your current TV is quite old, opting for a newer model could cut electricity costs. Nevertheless, consider the environmental effects of replacing electronics. If your current TV is functioning well, try implementing energy-saving tips before deciding to replace it.