Learn About TV Energy Usage and Costs

Understanding Television Energy Consumption and Your Power Bill

Television sets account for a measurable portion of household electricity use, though the amount varies significantly based on the type and age of your equipment. Modern flat-screen televisions typically consume between 30 and 100 watts when actively displaying content, while older cathode ray tube (CRT) models and larger plasma screens can draw 100 to 400 watts or more. Understanding this consumption matters because it directly affects your monthly energy costs and your ability to manage household expenses.

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The energy your television uses depends on several factors working together. Screen size plays a substantial role—a 32-inch LED television uses considerably less power than a 75-inch model. The technology behind the screen also matters. LED (light-emitting diode) and QLED televisions are generally more efficient than plasma models. Brightness settings affect consumption too; a television running at maximum brightness draws more power than one set to moderate levels. Age of the equipment is another consideration, as newer models incorporate efficiency standards that older televisions do not.

To calculate what your television actually costs to operate, you need three pieces of information: the wattage your specific model uses, the number of hours you watch daily, and your local electricity rate. If your television uses 60 watts, runs 5 hours per day, and your electricity costs 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, the annual cost would be approximately $13. A larger television using 150 watts under the same conditions would cost roughly $33 yearly. These calculations reveal that while televisions do consume energy, their impact on your overall bill depends heavily on viewing habits and equipment specifications.

Takeaway: Check your television's specifications or the product manual to find its wattage rating, then multiply by your daily viewing hours and multiply by 365. Divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours, then multiply by your local electricity rate found on your utility bill.

Information About Programs and Options Based on Your Situation

Various support programs exist to help households reduce energy costs, and different programs serve different circumstances. These programs fall into several categories, each addressing different needs. Some focus on improving home efficiency through weatherization and insulation upgrades. Others provide direct bill payment support or information about energy conservation. Still others offer rebates or discounts on energy-efficient appliances and electronics. Understanding which category might address your situation helps you explore resources that match your circumstances.

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Low-income household support represents one major category. The Weatherization Assistance Program, operated through the Department of Energy, provides information about reducing energy consumption in homes where residents meet income guidelines. This program focuses on structural improvements like insulation and air sealing rather than appliance replacement. Community Action Agencies administer these programs at the local level, meaning availability and specific details vary by location. Some electric utilities also operate their own low-income programs offering bill payment support or energy audits.

Energy efficiency rebate programs form another category worth exploring. Many utility companies offer incentives when customers purchase energy-efficient televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and other equipment. These rebates typically range from $25 to $300 per appliance, though amounts vary by utility and by equipment type. Some states operate statewide efficiency programs that work alongside utility programs, occasionally offering additional incentives. Manufacturers sometimes run their own promotions on efficient models. Unlike government programs with income requirements, these utility-based rebates often have broader availability.

Energy bill support during hardship represents a third category. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay heating and cooling costs. Program details, income limits, and application processes differ by state. Additionally, many utilities offer programs for customers experiencing payment difficulty, sometimes including bill forgiveness components or budget billing options. Nonprofit organizations and community groups in your area may also provide emergency energy assistance or information about local resources.

Takeaway: Contact your electric utility directly to ask about rebate programs for energy-efficient televisions and to request information about bill assistance programs. Call the number on your electricity bill—most utilities maintain dedicated representatives for these inquiries.

How to Explore Resources and Navigate the Information Process

Beginning your exploration of energy-related resources involves several straightforward steps. Start by gathering basic information about your situation: your household income if relevant, your state and county of residence, and your utility company name. This information helps you understand which programs may be worth investigating further. Next, identify your primary interest—are you seeking to reduce consumption through efficiency improvements, looking for bill payment support, or exploring rebates on new equipment? This clarity focuses your search on relevant resources rather than exploring every possibility.

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Locating your utility company's programs represents an essential first step. Your monthly electricity bill contains contact information for your provider. Call the customer service number and ask about energy conservation programs, rebate offers for efficient televisions and appliances, and any bill assistance programs for households facing hardship. Written materials about these programs may arrive with your bill or exist on the company's website. Many utilities maintain dedicated efficiency departments that provide no-cost consultations about reducing consumption. Take notes on program names, any income limits, and what documentation might be needed.

For state-level and federal programs, the Community Action Partnership website provides a searchable database of local Community Action Agencies in your area. These agencies administer federal weatherization and energy assistance programs. You can also contact your state's energy office directly—most states maintain energy information centers that provide program details by phone or online. The LIHEAP program information appears on your state's Department of Health and Human Services website. When contacting these agencies, ask specific questions: What programs address your situation? What information do you need to explore them further? How long does the process typically take?

Online resources can supplement your phone inquiries. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) maintains searchable information about state and utility programs by location. The Consumer Reports website provides ratings of energy-efficient televisions. The Department of Energy website contains information about federal programs and energy conservation tips. These resources provide background information without requiring personal information or commitment on your part.

Takeaway: Spend 30 minutes this week calling your electric utility's main customer service line and asking three questions: (1) Do you offer rebates on energy-efficient televisions? (2) What bill assistance programs exist for customers facing hardship? (3) Can someone explain your time-of-use rates if applicable?

Common Misunderstandings and How to Navigate Them Effectively

Many households underestimate how their viewing habits and device age affect energy costs, leading to missed opportunities for cost reduction. A common misconception holds that modern televisions use roughly the same amount of power as older models. In reality, a television purchased in 2005 may use two to three times the electricity of a comparably-sized 2023 model. This efficiency improvement happened gradually as energy standards tightened. Households continuing to use 15 or 20-year-old televisions sometimes don't realize that replacement with a modern efficient model, even with the upfront cost, could lower electricity consumption and reduce monthly bills by $15 to $30 over time.

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Another frequent misunderstanding involves the relationship between screen size and consumption. Many people assume a television's energy use relates proportionally to its screen size. While there is a relationship, modern efficiency improvements mean that a 65-inch LED television may not use dramatically more power than a 55-inch model from the same manufacturer and year. Energy guides displayed on television boxes or retail websites provide specific wattage information, yet many shoppers never consult them. Taking a moment to compare the Energy Guide label between models being considered often reveals that the most expensive option isn't necessarily the most efficient one.

People often confuse different program types and their requirements, wasting time exploring programs unlikely to suit their circumstances. For example, someone may contact their utility asking about LIHEAP without realizing that LIHEAP is a state program administered separately from utility company programs. Or someone might search for bill payment programs when they would benefit more from efficiency improvements and rebates. Understanding that programs operate through different channels—utilities, community agencies, state governments—and that different programs address different needs helps you focus on relevant options. A household with stable income and a working television may benefit most from efficiency rebates on eventual replacement, while a household facing energy cost hardship would explore bill assistance first.

Many households also misunderstand how rebate programs work, thinking they require upfront payment followed by reimbursement. In reality, many utility rebates operate through point-of-sale discounts at participating retailers, meaning you receive the discount at checkout rather than paying full price and submitting paperwork later. Other programs work differently, requiring mail-in documentation. Calling your utility to understand