How much electricity does a TV use?

Many UK households are rightly concerned about electricity costs, and understanding how much electricity a TV uses is a common question. It is not just about the hours you spend watching; factors like screen size, display technology, and even whether it is on standby can all add up. This guide will help you get a clear picture of your TV's energy consumption and how to manage it effectively, so you can enjoy your entertainment without unnecessary worry.

At Fuse Energy, we believe that understanding your energy usage empowers you to make informed choices. We aim to help you manage your energy intelligently within a system that strives for abundant, cheap, clean energy. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding your TV's electricity usage

The amount of electricity your television consumes is not a fixed figure. It varies significantly depending on several key characteristics. Knowing these can help you estimate your usage more accurately.

Average TV consumption by type

Modern televisions are far more energy-efficient than their predecessors. Older plasma and LCD models, for instance, typically consumed considerably more electricity than today's LED and OLED screens. A modern LED TV might use between 50 and 100 watts (W) when in use, while an older plasma TV could easily draw 200-400W or more. This difference alone can have a substantial impact on your electricity bill over time.

The impact of screen size

It stands to reason that a larger screen requires more energy to illuminate. Generally, the bigger your TV, the more electricity it will use. For example, a 32-inch LED TV might consume around 30-55W, whereas a 65-inch 4K OLED model could be closer to 120-300W. This correlation holds true across different display technologies, meaning a larger OLED will still use more than a smaller OLED, even if OLEDs are efficient overall.

Calculating your TV's running costs

Understanding your TV's wattage is the first step; translating that into pounds and pence is the next. With a simple calculation, you can determine the actual cost of your TV usage based on your specific electricity tariff.

Step-by-step cost calculation

To calculate your TV's electricity cost, follow these steps:

1. Find your TV's wattage: Look on the energy label (often on the back of the TV), in the manual, or on the manufacturer's website. This is usually listed in watts (W).
2. Estimate usage: Determine how many hours a day or week you typically watch TV. Do not forget to factor in any standby time.
3. Calculate daily/weekly energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh):

• (Wattage × Hours of use) ÷ 1,000 = kWh
• For example, if you have a 100W TV and use it for 4 hours, the calculation is (100W × 4 hours) ÷ 1,000 = 0.4 kWh.

1. Find your electricity unit rate: This is the cost per kWh, usually found on your electricity bill or through your energy supplier. It is typically expressed in pence per kWh. You can learn more about how much 1 kWh of electricity costs in the UK.
2. Calculate the cost:

• kWh × Unit Rate (in pence) = Cost in pence

Example costs for different usage patterns

Let us assume a modern 50-inch LED TV uses an illustrative 80W when active and an illustrative unit rate of 30p per kWh.

• Per hour: (80W × 1 hour) ÷ 1,000 = 0.08 kWh. Cost: 0.08 kWh × 30p = 2.4p per hour.
• Per day (4 hours use): 0.32 kWh. Cost: 0.32 kWh × 30p = 9.6p per day.
• Per month (120 hours use): 9.6 kWh. Cost: 9.6 kWh × 30p = £2.88 per month.
• Per year (1460 hours use): 116.8 kWh. Cost: 116.8 kWh × 30p = £35.04 per year.

These examples highlight how quickly costs can accumulate, even for relatively efficient devices.

The hidden drain: standby power

Even when you have switched off your TV with the remote, it is often not truly off. Most modern TVs enter a 'standby' mode, consuming a small amount of power to allow for quick start-up or to receive updates.

How much electricity does a standby TV use?

For many modern TVs, standby power consumption is typically less than 1W. UK and EU regulations since 2013 cap basic standby at under 0.5W, and smart-feature standby at under 3W. While this sounds negligible, it is a continuous drain. Over a year, even half a watt can add up to several kilowatt-hours, potentially costing a few pounds. It is a small amount per device, but when you consider all the appliances in your home that might be in standby, the cumulative effect can be surprising.

Is it cheaper to turn your TV off completely?

Yes, it is cheaper to turn your TV off completely by unplugging it or switching it off at the wall socket. This eliminates all standby power consumption, reducing it to zero. For most modern TVs, the savings from doing this are modest, typically a few pounds a year per device. However, if you are looking to optimise every aspect of your energy usage, eliminating standby power is a simple step. It is about making informed choices that align with your overall energy management goals, rather than making sacrifices.

Factors influencing TV energy consumption

Beyond the basic type and size, several other elements play a role in how much electricity your TV uses.

Display technology (led, oled, plasma)

As mentioned, display technology is a major factor.

• Plasma TVs: These older models are the most energy-intensive, with each pixel generating its own light, leading to high power draw.
• LCD TVs: More efficient than plasma, but still generally less so than LED.
• LED TVs: Use light-emitting diodes for backlighting, making them significantly more efficient than traditional LCDs.
• OLED TVs: Organic Light Emitting Diode technology allows individual pixels to light up, offering excellent picture quality and often very good energy efficiency, especially when displaying darker scenes.

Brightness and picture settings

The brighter your screen and the more vibrant your picture settings, the more energy your TV will consume. Many TVs come with various picture modes (e.g., "Dynamic," "Standard," "Cinema," "Eco"). "Dynamic" or "Vivid" modes typically boost brightness and contrast, increasing power usage. Opting for "Standard" or "Eco" modes can noticeably reduce consumption without severely impacting your viewing experience.

Age of your TV

Older TVs, regardless of their original technology, are generally less energy-efficient than newer models. Energy efficiency standards have improved over the years, leading manufacturers to produce more economical devices. An older TV might also have components that are less efficient due to wear or outdated design. Energy efficiency labels, mandatory in the UK, provide clear ratings (e.g., A-G) to help consumers compare models.

Smart ways to reduce your TV's energy footprint

Reducing your TV's energy consumption does not have to mean compromising on entertainment. It is about making smart adjustments that optimise your usage.

Adjusting settings for efficiency

• Use Eco Modes: Many TVs include an "Eco" or "Power Saving" mode that automatically adjusts brightness and other settings to reduce energy use.
• Lower Brightness: Manually reducing the backlight or brightness setting can significantly cut power consumption, especially in rooms with lower ambient light.
• Enable Sleep Timers: If you often fall asleep with the TV on, a sleep timer can automatically switch it off after a set period.

Using smart plugs

Smart plugs are an excellent tool for eliminating standby power. You can program them to switch off power to your TV (and other connected devices) completely at certain times, or control them remotely via an app. This ensures zero power draw when the TV is not in use, without the hassle of unplugging it manually. Understanding when electricity is cheapest can help you further optimise the use of smart plugs and other appliances.

Unplugging unused devices

While your TV is the main focus, remember that other devices connected to it - such as soundbars, games consoles, or streaming boxes - also draw standby power. Unplugging these when not in use, or connecting them to a smart plug alongside your TV, can further reduce your overall energy footprint.

Fuse Energy is built on the vision of a future where energy is so cheap and clean that it is no longer a constraint on daily life and entertainment. We believe it is your right to use more energy, not less, when that energy is clean and affordable. By making smart choices about your TV's energy footprint today, you are aligning with a future where energy is abundant, allowing you to live fully and enjoy the technology you love without trade-offs. Discover more about our mission here. Ready to take control of your energy bills? Click here to switch to Fuse Energy in as little as 3 minutes and experience clear pricing, real-time usage data, and 24/7 human support.