Understanding your TV's electricity use

Understanding your television's electricity consumption is key to gaining control over your household energy. Knowing how much power your TV uses can help you manage your energy budget more effectively and reduce anxiety over unexpected bills.

Taking control of your home energy means having the tools and knowledge to make informed choices. Fuse Energy helps you understand your consumption, so you can make smart decisions about your usage. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding your TV's energy consumption

Your television is a central part of daily life, but its energy demands are often overlooked. Knowing how your TV uses power is the first step towards managing your energy choices effectively.

What influences TV power usage?

The amount of electricity your TV consumes varies significantly based on several factors. Screen size plays a major role; larger screens inherently demand more energy to illuminate. Display technology is another key influencer: older plasma TVs generally consume considerably more electricity than modern LED or OLED models. OLED and QLED TVs, while offering superior picture quality, can be pricier to run than basic LED sets. User settings, such as brightness levels, picture modes (e.g., HDR or gaming modes), and whether Wi-Fi and apps are running in the background, also significantly affect power usage. Newer TVs tend to be more energy-efficient than older ones.

Typical wattage by TV size and type

Televisions typically consume between 30 and 300 watts (W) when switched on, depending on their size and type. For example, a 32-inch LED TV might use 30-50 watts, while a 65-inch 4K OLED TV could draw 120-300 watts.

Modern LED TVs generally use between 50 and 100 watts, while older models or larger screens, particularly plasma TVs, can draw significantly more power.

The hidden cost of standby power

While your TV is actively displaying content, it's clearly using electricity. However, many people overlook the power consumed when the television is seemingly "off" but still plugged in.

How much does a TV use on standby?

Most modern TVs consume less than 0.5 watts (W) in standby mode. Thanks to UK and EU Eco-design regulations, sets sold since 2013 are limited to under 0.5W for basic standby and under 3W for smart-feature standby. While this might seem like a negligible amount, these "phantom loads" can accumulate over time. A modern UK TV in standby can cost roughly £1 to £7 per year, depending on how its standby mode is configured. Older TVs, especially pre-2010 plasma or early LCD models, were not subject to the same limits and could draw 5 to 15W in standby, costing significantly more - around £11 to £33 per year.

Minimising standby consumption

The most effective way to eliminate standby power consumption is to switch your TV off at the wall when not in use. For older models that draw more power in standby, this can lead to noticeable savings. For modern TVs, while the individual saving is small, the cumulative effect across multiple devices in a household can add up. Using a switched extension lead allows you to turn off your TV and all connected devices (like soundbars and set-top boxes) together, stopping all "vampire" power draw.

Calculating your TV's running costs

Understanding the actual cost of running your TV helps you make informed decisions about your energy usage.

Finding your electricity unit rate

To calculate your TV's running costs accurately, you need to know your current electricity unit rate. This is typically found on your energy bill and is measured in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The average electricity unit rate in the UK is 26.11p per kWh from 1 July 2026, subject to Ofgem's Energy Price Cap. This cap sets the maximum unit rates that suppliers can charge.

Step-by-step cost calculation

Calculating your TV's electricity usage and cost involves a few simple steps:

1. Find your TV's wattage: Look for a label on the back of your TV or check its specifications online. This figure indicates the power it uses when active.
2. Estimate daily usage: Determine how many hours per day or week you typically watch TV.
3. Convert wattage to kilowatts (kW): To convert watts to kilowatts, divide the wattage by 1,000, as 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.
4. Calculate daily kWh consumption: Multiply the kW by the number of hours you use the TV daily.
5. Calculate cost: Multiply the daily kWh by your electricity unit rate (in pence) to get the daily cost.

Example: cost of running a 55-inch TV

Let's take a common scenario: a 55-inch LED TV that uses approximately 80 watts (0.08 kW) when active. If you watch this TV for 4 hours a day and your electricity unit rate is 26.11p per kWh:

• Daily kWh consumption: 0.08 kW * 4 hours = 0.32 kWh
• Daily cost: 0.32 kWh * 26.11p/kWh = 8.36 pence
• Monthly cost (30 days): 8.36p * 30 = 250.8 pence (£2.51)
• Annual cost (365 days): 8.36p * 365 = 3051.4 pence (£30.51)

This example shows that while the hourly cost is low, it can add up over time.

Practical tips to reduce TV electricity use

You don't need to sacrifice your entertainment to save energy. Small adjustments to your habits and settings can make a difference.

Adjusting settings for efficiency

Many TVs come with factory settings that are brighter than necessary for most homes, consuming more power. Reducing the brightness can significantly lower energy consumption without impacting your viewing experience. Look for "Eco" or "Energy Saving" modes in your TV's settings, as these often optimise picture quality for lower power usage. Disabling features like quick-resume or voice activation, especially on smart TVs, can also reduce standby draw.

Smart plugs and power strips

Smart plugs and power strips offer a convenient way to manage your TV's power consumption. By plugging your TV and all its peripherals (like soundbars, streaming devices, and set-top boxes) into a smart power strip, you can easily switch them off completely at the wall when not in use, eliminating standby power. Some smart plugs also allow you to monitor the electricity usage of connected appliances, giving you real-time insights into how much energy your TV is consuming.

Considering energy-efficient models

When it's time to upgrade your television, paying attention to its energy efficiency rating can lead to long-term savings. The UK Energy Label (formerly the EU Energy Label) provides information on a TV's energy efficiency class, typically rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Checking the kWh/1000h number on the label will give you an idea of its running cost over an average year of usage. Generally, newer LED and OLED models are more efficient than older plasma or LCD TVs.

Taking control of your home energy

Understanding your TV's energy use is just one part of managing your overall household electricity consumption. Taking control means having the tools and knowledge to make informed choices across your home.

Monitoring usage with smart meters

Smart meters make it much easier to track your energy usage in real-time. They provide detailed insights into how much electricity your home is consuming, allowing you to see the direct impact of your TV habits and other appliances on your overall energy bill. This visibility empowers you to identify areas where you can save energy and adjust your usage accordingly.

At Fuse Energy, we believe that understanding your energy consumption isn't about deprivation; it's about empowerment. We focus on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you're paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. Our 24/7 human support team is always on hand whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.