It is likely that many of us have never given much thought to what our latest Netflix binge-watching session could be adding to our electricity bills. Like most household appliances, televisions can actually be significant energy-drainers, depending on the settings and features it is using.
Now, we’re not saying that cutting back on TV watching is the key to slashing your power bills but the type of TV you are using could be having a considerable impact on your household budget, without you even realising. That’s why Canstar Blue has created this TV running cost guide – to help you understand what your nightly sitcom re-runs could be costing and whether a more energy efficient option could help you to cut those costs.
How much power does a TV use?
The answer to the question: ‘How many watts does a TV use’ is not a simple one to answer. How many watts a TV uses varies between each state in Australia. Canstar Blue has calculated the average television running costs for a 40-55 inch LED LCD TV, per year. We also take into account each appliance’s energy efficiency star ratings.
Watching television can cost anywhere from $50 to $174 on average each year, depending on the model, TV size, energy efficiency and hours of usage, according to Canstar Blue calculations. Please note, this data should be used as a general guide only. Running costs for your TV may vary significantly depending on your location, TV usage and electricity usage rates.
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How much does it cost to run a tv?
The below table illustrates the average annual TV running costs by energy efficiency rating in Australia.
| Energy Efficiency Rating | 1-2.5 stars | 3-4.5 stars | 5-6.5 stars | 7-8 stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Usage | 542kWh | 342kWh | 259kWh | 156kWh |
| Annual Cost | $174 | $110 | $83 | $50 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 20/12/2024. Average energy consumption figures based on televisions listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 10 hours use plus 14 hours in standby per day. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average electricity usage rate of 32.1 c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
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| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month or year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $13.99 over one month |
4 | $13.99 |
Get Deal |
|
min. cost $139.99 over one year |
4 | $139.99 |
Get Deal |
 |
^^View important information | |||
How much does it cost to run an energy efficient TV?
According to Canstar Blue’s calculations, households could save as much as $171 a year, by switching from a 1-2.5 star-rated TV to a 7-8 star-rated TV, depending on their state or territory. The data suggests it is South Australians that stand to save the most from upgrading their appliances, followed by households in New South Wales and Queensland.
The table below is based on a 40-55 inch LED LCD television. Again, it is best to treat these calculations as a general guide only. Actual costs may be higher depending on your TV power consumption and electricity usage rates.
Average annual TV running costs by energy efficiency rating in each capital city
| Capital City | 1-2.5 stars | 3-4.5 stars | 5-6.5 stars | 7-8 stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide | $240 | $151 | $114 | $69 |
| Sydney | $185 | $117 | $89 | $53 |
| Brisbane | $179 | $113 | $86 | $52 |
| Perth | $171 | $108 | $82 | $49 |
| Hobart | $152 | $96 | $73 | $44 |
| Darwin | $158 | $100 | $76 | $46 |
| Melbourne | $132 | $83 | $63 | $38 |
| Canberra | $156 | $98 | $75 | $45 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 20/12/2024. Average energy consumption figures based on televisions listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Program’s Registration database, which assumes 10 hours use plus 14 hours in standby per day. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 34.2 c/kWh in Sydney, 24.4 c/kWh in Melbourne, 33.1 c/kWh in Brisbane, 44.2 c/kWh in Adelaide, 31.6 c/kWh in Perth, 28.1 c/kWh in Hobart, 29.2 c/kWh in Darwin, 28.8 c/kWh in Canberra. Average electricity usage rates are based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,373 kWh.
Trying to reduce your TV running costs? Make sure you’re still on a good price for your power – compare from cheap plans below
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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| Brand | Subscription Type | No. of Screens/same time viewing | Advertised Cost^^/month | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
min. cost $10 over one month |
1 | $10 |
Go To Site |
|
min. cost $19 over one month |
2 | $19 |
Go To Site |
|
min. cost $22 over one month |
4 | $22 |
Go To Site |
|
^^View important information | |||
What affects how many watts a TV uses?
Different settings and features can all affect how many watts your TV uses. Simply put, the logical formula to bear in mind is that the harder your television has to work, the more energy it has to consume. Most of the settings listed below have a rather minimal impact, but it’s worth keeping them in mind if you’re looking to reduce your TV power consumption.
- Screen brightness: Brighter lights require more electricity, the same goes for televisions. Higher brightness settings means the TV consumes more energy, adding to the bill.
- Volume: The volume of your television admittedly contributes an incredibly minuscule amount to your TV’s electricity consumption, except for when you’re blasting it at maximum volume. It all adds up though and having an unnecessarily loud TV might cost you.
- Definition/resolution: High-definition televisions or ones that boast higher refresh rates will generally cost more to run.
If you have a smart TV, you’ll find many of these features can be easily controlled by visiting the power/energy saving tab under the setting controls. Those without a smart TV may need to review their user manual or visit their manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to control these features.
Generally, the more energy efficient the model, the less you’ll have to worry about these kinds of features chewing through your energy costs but it’s good to keep them in mind. Particularly if you find yourself with a shockingly high power bill, it may be helpful to know some quick changes you can make to appliances, such as your TV, to help alleviate costs here and there.
If you are in the market for a new TV or think it might be time to switch to a more energy efficient model, then be sure to check out our annual TV customer satisfaction ratings below. Here we list the brands Aussie consumers rated top notch in areas such as performance, user friendliness, features, value for money and of course overall satisfaction.
Image credit: r.classen/Shutterstock.com
Original article by Kelseigh Wrigley
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