How to determine how much your TV consumes
There are several ways to find out how much electricity your TV consumes. Naturally, a lot depends on which model we are talking about. As an example, consider an economical device that was purchased relatively recently.
First, take a look at the labeling. It is located on the back of the TV device. You will also find information regarding the class of electricity consumption in the instructions, which are included in the basic package.
Back in 2010, the relevant authorities of the European Union determined a single standard for the energy consumption of plasma and LED TVs:
- A+.
- A++.
- A+++.
What is the essence of the marking? The more pluses next to the letter A, the less energy the TV consumes. In 2021, a new class appeared - A++. Equipment manufacturers do not stop at the achieved results. The largest companies plan to release TVs with class A+++ by 2021.
Is it worth overpaying for equipment with an optimal energy saving class? It all depends on exactly what amount we are talking about. However, the fact remains that A++ models will use much less power than older devices.
Such marking performs not only an informational function. There are also additional benefits. For example, if there is a corresponding sticker on the TV, then the user will have more confidence in such a device. This is good advertising. Nobody wants to overpay for electricity. Therefore, users will always give preference to models with minimal electricity consumption.
Labeling is very important, but not all TVs correspond to the declared characteristics indicated on the sticker. Many devices do not have such stickers at all. But on TV screens there are other, more informative stickers. Latin letters from A to G are drawn on them.
The standard level of energy consumption is F. The sticker also contains information regarding the power of the TV. This parameter is measured in watts.
Secondly, you should always consider screen brightness. For example, the brightness of the LCD screen affects how many watts the TV uses. If the user makes the picture dimmer, then the amount of energy consumed will noticeably decrease.
How many kilowatts does a TV consume per month?
How many kilowatts does the TV consume? The power supply of the device depends on its model, type, diagonal size, operating time, and losses in standby mode. Depending on the listed criteria, energy consumption is:
- plasma (if the diagonal is more than 42 inches, then 24 - 29 kW);
- liquid crystal (with a screen size of less than 32 inches, then 7–9 kW. With a diagonal of 49 inches, then 15–23 kW. LED devices are the most energy-saving);
- TVs with cathode ray tubes “eat up” 16–18 kW.
Each brand also responds differently to market needs and the environmental picture. Therefore, indicators may also vary depending on this factor. Consumption of brands Samsung, LG, Alfa, Thoshiba, Sony may not be the same, but not very significant.
What affects electricity consumption
Screen size is a key parameter that determines how much electricity a TV consumes. For example, if the screen diagonal is approximately 50 centimeters, then the device takes 0.07 kW. An incandescent lamp consumes approximately the same amount.
However, there are other factors that influence the amount of energy consumed:
- color;
- type of TV device;
- duration of active work;
- white balance;
- duration of stay in sleep mode.
Don't forget that when the TV is in sleep mode, it still uses energy. For example, devices with a 21-inch screen will consume about 16.5 watts. At first it may seem that this is not a lot, but if you multiply this figure by the number of hours, you get a very significant figure.
How to save money? Everything ingenious is simple. Simply unplug the TV device from the network. This method will save approximately 8.8 kWh.
Some users, in order to determine which TV consumes less energy, carry out the necessary calculations themselves. To do this, you need to use a special device that allows you to measure the power of the TV. It's called a wattmeter. Some device models take measurements and also save the results. Modern wattmeters automatically calculate the cost of electricity. The user preliminarily indicates the price per 1 kW.
If you do not have the opportunity to carry out the calculations yourself, then simply open the instructions for the TV. Manufacturers indicate exactly how much electricity the device consumes. The numbers are also shown during active operation and when entering sleep mode.
How much energy does a TV consume in 1 hour of continuous operation? The average power depends on the type of device: plasma, LCD, kinescope model, etc.
Calculation of electricity consumption for different types of TVs
The energy consumption of a TV depends on its screen. The larger the screen, the higher the power consumption of the receiver. To find out how many kilowatts your TV consumes, you need to know its power.
This is indicated in the technical data sheet of the receiver. Often the power consumption is indicated in the operating instructions in the “Technical data” section. You can look at the specifications label on the receiver. It is located on the back of the receiver.
Knowing how much electricity you consume, let's calculate how much electricity you need to watch TV. Let's look at the different types of TVs and do the math.
LCD and LED
LCD TVs use a liquid crystal display. Technically, LED technology refers to LCD TVs. However, instead of an LCD screen, an LED matrix is used.
This advanced technology is used in the latest models. It differs in image quality. This technology allows you to create large screens without losing quality. The power consumption parameters of the LCD and LED are comparable.
Depending on the screen size, they consume from 110 to 30 W. Average power consumption varies from 60 to 70 W.
For example, let's take a 32-inch Samsung UE32N5000AUXRU,32", FULL HD TV with a power consumption of 66 W. In sleep mode, it consumes 0.07 watts per day. Let's do the calculations.
66*5=330W;
0.07/24=0.003 W of energy consumed by the TV per hour in sleep mode or for 15 hours 15*0.003=0.045 W per day;
The total consumption is 330+0.045=330.045 W.
The monthly amount will be 330.045*30= 9901.35 W or 9.9 kW.
Multiplying by the current tariff, we get 9.9 * 4.03 = 39.9 rubles per month.
The owner will have to pay 39.9 rubles per month to watch TV shows.
TV Plasma
This TV reproduces images well (colors, saturation and other parameters). Their consumption is about 150-190 Wh in operating mode and 120 Wh in standby mode.
Consider the average device wear: 170 Wh and 120 W/day in standby mode.
If the device operates 6 hours a day, its consumption will be 170 x 6 = 1020 W/day.
It takes a month to watch such a TV: 1020 x 30 = 30600 W or 30.6 kW/month.
Don't forget about standby mode: 30.6 + (0.12 x 30 days) = 34.2 kWh/month
The amount you must pay for TV consumption: 38.5 x 3.5 (for example, the tariff for 1 kW/h, there are different tariffs in each region, district, city and village) = 134.75 rubles.
B with CRT (cathode ray tube)
This is television - the first type of television. It is large in size due to the cathode ray tube. The power consumption of this type of TV is high and amounts to about 50-100 W per 1 hour of operation.
TV type CRT
Consider the average device wear: 75 watts/hour and 60 watts/stay per month or 0.83
If the device operates 6 hours a day, its consumption will be 75 x 6 = 450 W/day.
It takes a month to watch such a TV: 450 x 30 = 13,500 W or 13.5 kW/month.
Recommended: What is UUTE on a Utility Bill
Don't forget about standby mode: 13.5 + (0.6 x 30) = 31.5 kWh/month
The amount you must pay for TV consumption: 31.5 x 3.5 (for example, the tariff for 1 kW/h, there are different tariffs in each region, district, city and village) = 110.25 rubles.
Conclusion! We see that most of the consumption is consumed by the TV in standby mode, so after watching a TV show or series, unplug the TV.
LCD TVs
If we compare LCD TVs with plasma ones, the former are much more economical in terms of energy consumption. But at the same time, the size of the selected diagonal plays an important role in the power of the TV. This should never be forgotten when you go shopping. The larger the diagonal, the higher the TV's energy consumption.
Approximate values depending on the selected size:
- If the diagonal is less than 32 inches, then it consumes from 40 to 55 watts per hour. In standby mode, the TV uses 1 watt.
- With a screen diagonal of 49 inches or more, energy consumption will increase to 150 W per hour and up to 22 kW per month.
In other words, LCD TVs will be much more energy efficient than plasma TVs. This class of TVs is preferred by people who want to save on electricity, but at the same time have a full-fledged home theater with a wide range of capabilities. It's important to note that lower power consumption will not affect embedded hardware. All Smart TV functions will also be present on the TV.
Types and power
The key parameters are the type of TV device and its power. Part of this has already been said earlier. It is clear that a television receiver with a cathode ray tube will consume more energy than an LCD. It is also necessary to take into account the operating time of the TV.
If you spend about 5 hours a day in front of TV, then this will ultimately add up to a significant amount at the end of the month. Modern models are equipped with useful features that allow you to save money. For example, many devices have an “Eco” mode. Activating this mode involves automatic optimization of settings. The level of illumination is taken into account. The environment is scanned by special sensors.
Recently, manufacturers are increasingly introducing such functions as presence sensors. The TV automatically turns off if no sensors detect a viewer in front of the screen.
But to a greater extent, the power consumption of a TV depends on its type. Now let’s look at different devices to demonstrate with a clear example how the amount of energy consumed changes.
CRT TVs
Let's start with cathode ray tube devices. Looking ahead, we note that models with a kinescope consume quite a lot in 1 hour. Tube TVs are characterized by a bulky screen. They are good because they are easy to maintain and have a long service life. In 60 minutes the device consumes about 60-100 W.
During the day, the TV consumes about 0.5 kW. Over a month, this figure rises to 15 kW. The device also works in standby mode. In a month it accumulates up to an additional 18 kW.
Plasma models
Plasma TV is a more modern solution. The introduction of innovative technologies into the production process allows us to create devices that reproduce images with maximum detail. The picture turns out very rich and realistic.
However, you will have to pay for a high-quality image on a plasma TV. This applies not only to the direct cost of the device, but also to paying for utilities. Let's take as an example a TV from LG with a 32-inch screen diagonal. In operating mode, about 160 W are consumed. In sleep mode approximately 0.5 W. As a result, we get an average of 25 kWh.
These figures make it clear that plasma owners will have to pay much more for light than users who prefer electronic models. What is the situation with liquid crystal devices? Let's find out now.
LCD TVs
Users are most interested in how much electricity LCD TVs consume per month. Why? Firstly, these TVs are presented in the widest range. Therefore, the user will be able to purchase a model that will fit perfectly into the room.
Secondly, there is another very interesting point. LCD TVs consume energy in proportion to the diagonal of the screen. For example, a compact device with a 32-inch screen from Samsung consumes about 50 W in 1 hour. In standby mode – 1 W. We receive only 8 kWh per month.
To save money on TV, buy a model with an LCD screen and LED backlight. The best option is a device with a diagonal of 32 inches. This technique will consume the least amount of energy.
Models with a large screen, for example, 49 inches, have impressive power - up to 150 W during active operation and about 1.5 in standby mode. We get a significant difference. In a month it accumulates about 20-22 kWh.
Modern TVs use LED backlighting. The use of LEDs significantly reduces energy consumption. As a result, the device will consume approximately 40% less. Therefore, liquid crystal models with LED backlighting are the most economical option.
LCD and LED TVs
Liquid crystal panels are slowly leaving the market, but have not yet completely lost their positions. How much electricity an LCD TV consumes depends on the size of the screen. Small, up to 32 inches - average 40-55 W per hour and 1 W in standby mode. Thus, 6.72–8.97 kW will accumulate in a month. LED panels are essentially a modern subtype of LCD, which consumes about 40% less electricity. The standby mode for most is 0.3 W. A fairly large 49-inch screen takes 100–150 W/hour. Total: 15.22–22.72 kW/month.
How to save
To optimize the operation of your TV as much as possible, as well as reduce the number of kilowatts, you need to follow a few simple tips:
- Install the TV device in a room with even lighting. As a result, you will be able to choose the optimal balance between brightness and contrast. Therefore, the equipment will not move much.
- Brightness must be adjusted for different types of lighting. For example, in the dark you can reduce the brightness without losing comfort during viewing.
- As mentioned earlier, TVs also consume a fair amount of electricity in sleep mode. Therefore, it is better to unplug the equipment.
- Use Eco-functions wisely. Then you can spend a minimum amount of money on paying electricity bills.
Each of these recommendations reduces energy consumption on average per day. So try to stick to them to save on your electricity bills. This is especially true during a time of ever-increasing utility rates.
So we looked at the main factors influencing the amount of TV energy consumed. Each user will be able to quickly calculate the potential costs associated with paying electricity bills.
How many watts does a TV consume per hour?
There are three main types of TVs, each of which has its own electricity consumption:
- Plasma.
- Liquid crystal.
- CRT.
For most users, the TV is turned on almost 24 hours a day, and it is never unplugged from the socket at all, remaining in standby mode. The operating time of a TV device in the house mainly depends on the employment of family members, their lifestyle, interests, specifics of work and many other factors. Therefore, when choosing a device, you should also take into account how much time it will have to be turned on.
You can measure the amount of electricity consumed by your TV at home using a wattmeter. It will instantly show the power that is required to operate your TV. A wattmeter powered from an outlet is best suited for this procedure. He is able not only to take measurements, but also, when entering the cost of one kilowatt, to calculate how much it costs to consume such an amount of electricity in rubles.
You can also look at the device’s passport - it usually indicates how much electricity it consumes during operation and when it is in standby mode.
How much does plasma TV consume?
Plasma TVs are considered one of the best in terms of technical characteristics and service life. They have the ability to transmit high-quality images and clear sound transmission. This TV is lightweight and, due to its small thickness, does not take up much space in the room. At the same time, plasma consumes quite a lot of electricity. For example, a device with a 42-inch diagonal requires about 170 W/hour. If you make a monthly calculation, then, on average, it turns out that maintaining such a device at home will require about 25 kW.
How much does LCD TV consume?
Liquid-crystal TV models today are already considered obsolete - plasma is too actively pushing them out of the market. However, from the point of view of energy intensity, these models are not so bad - they require an order of magnitude less electricity to operate. For example, a device with a 32-inch diagonal requires approximately 50 W/hour and 8 kW per month to operate.
A type of LCD TV - LED panels consume electricity even more economically - its consumption, on average, is 40% less than that required by an LCD device. In standby mode, such TVs require 0.3 watts of electricity per day, and during operation, with a 49-inch screen diagonal, 120 watts per hour. Thus, such a device will consume about 20 kW per month.
Consumption of cathode ray tube TV
The energy consumption for a TV with a picture tube, which has already served its owner for quite a long time, is about 80 W/hour. In one day of operation, such a device can “eat up” about half a kilowatt of electricity, and in a month – 15 kW. Such models were the very first video broadcasting devices to appear on the market. Our great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers watched them. At that time, no one thought about how to reduce the electricity consumption of a TV; the fact of the appearance of a device capable of transmitting pictures and sound was so important.
