When the monthly utility bills pour in, I often find myself checking the electronics around my house to see if any of them are using excessive power. One device that often comes under suspicion is the TV. I wonder, how many watts does a television actually consume? Could it be a significant factor in my monthly bills?
Television has become an indispensable part of my household. Whether it’s tuning in to a thrilling sports event, following my favorite soap opera, staying updated with prime time news, or simply enjoying a movie in the afternoon, there’s always something to watch. With the introduction of smart TVs that offer internet connectivity, the possibilities have become endless. Consequently, it’s crucial to understand the amount of electric energy my TV consumes in order to use it efficiently.
Types of TV
Television is a highly sought-after commodity that remains in constant demand. The competitive market for TV sales drives technological advancements and innovation. In this discussion, we will explore the four different types of television sets and compare their efficiency levels.
- CRT
The predecessors of modern TV sets, known as bulky ancestors, are seldom used in today’s times. These devices rely on vacuum tubes, where accelerated electron beams generate images on a screen. Not only were these early versions bulky and offered low picture quality, but they were also highly energy inefficient.
2. LCD
In an LCD television, colored motion pictures are produced by rapidly manipulating pixels. These pixels are electronically controlled using liquid crystals, which is why it is called a Liquid Crystal Display. One notable advantage of LCD televisions is their significantly lower power consumption compared to older CRT sets.
3. LED
LED televisions are a variation of LCD technology that incorporates light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for backlighting. This design allows for enhanced contrast ratios and improved picture quality. Additionally, LED TVs offer the benefit of lower power consumption, with energy savings of up to 20% compared to traditional LCD sets.
4. Plasma TVs
Plasma display panels (PDPs) utilize cells filled with plasma, an electrically charged ionized gas, to generate images. Typically employed in large displays, PDPs offer superior contrast compared to LCD technology. However, it’s important to note that PDPs are not as energy-efficient as LCD or LED TVs.
TV Wattage by Types and Sizes
Calculating the power consumption cost of your TV is a straightforward process once you have the power rating of your television. Let’s take the example of owning a 42-inch LED TV that is turned on for 30 hours each month:
Step 1:
Convert the power rating of the TV into kilowatts by dividing it by 1000. For instance, if the power rating is 80 watts, divide it by 1000 to get 0.08 kilowatts.
Step 2:
Multiply the kilowatt rating by the number of hours of usage. In this case, multiply 0.08 kilowatts by 30 hours to get 2.4 kilowatt-hours.
Step 3:
Finally, multiply the kilowatt-hours by the cost per kilowatt-hour (e.g. $0.174) to determine the monthly cost. For 2.4 kilowatt-hours, the calculation would be 2.4 multiplied by 0.174, resulting in a cost of $0.42 per month for 30 hours of usage.
It’s worth noting that as the hours of usage and the size of the television increase, the cost will also increase. For instance, older TVs like CRT TVs consume approximately 90 watts per hour.
A few tips for consuming energy
Similar to other electronic devices, televisions consume energy even when they are turned off if they are left plugged in. This energy drain is commonly referred to as “vampire energy.” However, you can counter this energy loss by simply switching off the power supply or using a power strip to disconnect the TV from the mains when it is not in use.
While it may take a bit longer for the television to boot up the next time you want to watch something, the energy savings you gain from eliminating vampire energy are a worthwhile compensation. By adopting this practice, you can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and contribute to more efficient energy usage in your home.
Bad Habits that Cause High TV Wattage Consumption
Falling asleep while the TV is still on and leaving it running throughout the night can contribute more to your monthly energy bill than you may realize. Additionally, using the TV solely for background music or noise can lead to unnecessary expenses.
Consider switching to alternative devices like a phone or tablet for background music or ambient noise, as they consume significantly less energy. By making this simple adjustment, you can effectively reduce your energy consumption and ultimately save on your monthly expenses.
Know what you need
Owning a television will always come with associated expenses, but being aware of when to turn off your TV and understanding the power ratings of different models can help you make an informed and efficient choice.
While energy consumption may vary slightly among different brands and models, having knowledge about the power usage of your TV is valuable not only in the present but also for future decision-making.