How Much Electric Does a TV Use

Televisions are a staple in nearly every UK home, running for hours each day whether for news, films, streaming, or gaming. Yet few people stop to consider how much electricity their TV actually uses. While modern sets are far more energy-efficient than those made even a decade ago, they still contribute a noticeable amount to your household electricity bill. The amount of electric a TV uses depends on its screen size, display type, brightness settings, and how long it stays on. By understanding these factors, you can make more informed decisions about energy use and potentially save money over time.

Average Power Consumption by TV Type

Different TV technologies consume electricity in very different ways. Older plasma televisions were among the most power-hungry, using between 200 and 400 watts for a 50-inch screen. Modern LED and LCD televisions are much more efficient, generally consuming between 30 and 100 watts depending on size and model. OLED TVs, known for their high picture quality, use slightly more power than standard LEDs but still far less than older plasma screens, averaging around 60 to 120 watts for larger models. Small LED TVs around 32 inches may use as little as 30 watts, while a large 65-inch 4K TV can use 100 watts or more when displaying bright content at maximum brightness.

Calculating the Running Cost of a TV

At the UK’s current average electricity rate of about 30 pence per kWh, you can estimate the cost of running your television using a simple calculation. Multiply the TV’s wattage by the number of hours you use it each day, divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours, and multiply by the electricity rate. For example, a 100-watt TV running for five hours consumes 0.5 kWh per day, costing around 15 pence daily or roughly £4.50 a month. A smaller 40-watt TV used for the same duration costs about 6 pence per day or less than £2 a month. While those amounts may seem modest, they can add up, especially if multiple TVs are running in the same home for long periods.

How Screen Size and Brightness Affect Power Use

The larger the screen, the more electricity your TV consumes, as more pixels require more energy to display bright and colourful images. However, brightness settings can be just as influential. Many TVs are sold with brightness and contrast levels set extremely high for retail display purposes, which is unnecessary in a normal home environment. Lowering these settings not only reduces electricity use but also extends the life of the screen and improves picture quality. Enabling energy-saving modes or adaptive brightness settings allows the TV to automatically adjust to ambient light levels, maintaining efficiency without compromising your viewing experience.

Standby Power and Hidden Energy Use

One of the most overlooked aspects of TV electricity use is standby power. Even when a TV is turned off using the remote control, it often remains partially active to allow for instant startup, software updates, or smart features. This standby mode can draw between 0.5 and 3 watts continuously, which may not sound like much but can add up over a year. A TV using 2 watts on standby consumes around 17.5 kWh annually, costing about £5.25 for doing nothing more than waiting to be switched on. Unplugging your TV or using a smart plug with a timer or energy monitor can eliminate this waste entirely.

Differences Between Standard and Smart TVs

Modern smart TVs offer a range of connected features, including streaming apps, voice assistants, and Bluetooth connectivity, but these functions often increase electricity use. While the display itself might be energy-efficient, the built-in processors and Wi-Fi modules can draw additional power even in idle mode. Streaming high-definition or 4K content also requires more processing power than watching standard broadcast television, increasing energy consumption slightly. If you stream through an external device such as a set-top box or games console, keep in mind that these devices also draw power, sometimes even more than the TV itself.

Comparing TVs to Other Household Appliances

When compared to large appliances like ovens, tumble dryers, or kettles, televisions consume relatively little electricity. However, because they are used for many hours each day, they still contribute meaningfully to household energy use. A family with two or three televisions running for several hours daily could easily consume between 150 and 200 kWh of electricity each year just on TV viewing, equating to around £45 to £60. For households looking to reduce energy bills, optimising television use and choosing efficient models can be an easy and effective step.

Energy Efficiency Ratings and What to Look For

All televisions sold in the UK are required to display an energy label ranging from A to G, with A representing the most efficient models. Most modern LED TVs fall within the B to D range, while OLEDs and larger 4K models tend to sit slightly lower due to their higher brightness and resolution. When buying a new TV, check both the energy label and the stated power consumption in watts, which is usually provided for standard viewing conditions. Smaller, energy-efficient models with adaptive brightness settings will cost less to run and have a smaller environmental impact.

How Gaming and Streaming Affect Energy Use

If you use your television for gaming or streaming, your energy use will be higher than for standard TV viewing. Gaming consoles such as the PlayStation or Xbox can draw between 100 and 250 watts themselves, meaning that when used with a large TV, total consumption can exceed 300 watts. Streaming in 4K resolution also uses more processing power than standard definition. Using an energy-efficient streaming stick rather than a full-sized console for watching films can save electricity, especially if you stream daily. Reducing brightness and enabling eco mode during gaming sessions can also help offset some of the added energy draw.

Tips for Reducing TV Electricity Use

There are several practical steps you can take to reduce your TV’s power consumption. Adjust the brightness and contrast to moderate levels and turn off features such as motion smoothing or vivid mode unless necessary. Enable eco mode or ambient light sensors to let the TV automatically adapt to room lighting. Use timers or smart plugs to switch off your TV completely overnight rather than leaving it on standby. If your TV has an auto power-down feature that turns it off after a period of inactivity, ensure this is enabled. Finally, consider upgrading older models to modern LED sets, which use far less power than plasma or early LCD designs.

Electrical Safety and Proper Setup

Televisions, while not particularly high-powered, should always be connected safely. Use a quality surge-protected extension lead if necessary, especially for setups that include sound systems, consoles, or streaming devices. Avoid overloading sockets and ensure ventilation space around the unit to prevent overheating. If your home’s wiring is older or you are adding multiple devices to the same outlet, a qualified electrician can check your electrical circuits and confirm they are suitable for the load. This not only ensures safety but can also improve efficiency and device lifespan.

Conclusion: Efficient Viewing Without the Shock of High Bills

Televisions may not be the largest energy users in your home, but their constant use means they can still make a noticeable impact on your electricity bill. On average, a modern LED TV uses between 30 and 100 watts per hour, costing just a few pence daily when used efficiently. Managing brightness, switching off standby mode, and using smart energy settings can help you enjoy all your favourite shows while keeping energy costs low. For homeowners, ensuring your TV setup is both safe and efficient is best achieved with the help of a qualified electrician who can advise on modern power-saving options and proper electrical safety standards.