It is likely many of us have never given much thought to what our latest Netflix binge-session could be adding to our electricity bills. But, like most household appliances, televisions can actually be quite significant energy-drainers to the household, 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 those sky-high 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 conjured up 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 down.
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How much electricity does a TV use?
Watching television can cost anywhere from $52 to $178 on average each year, depending on the model, TV size, energy efficiency and hours of usage, according to Canstar Blue calculations.
The table below estimates how much the average 40-55 inch LED LCD TV costs per year to run, factoring in its energy efficiency star ratings. This data assumes the TV was used for 10 hours a day, with 14 hours spent in standby power. 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.
Average annual TV running costs by energy efficiency rating
| TV Size | 1-2.5 stars | 3-4.5 stars | 5-6.5 stars | 7-8 stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40-55″ | $178 | $113 | $86 | $52 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 5/09/2023. Average energy consumption figures based on televisions listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Programs Registration database, which assumes 10 hours use plus 14 hours in standby per day. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rate of 33c/kWh. Average electricity usage rates based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,347kWh.
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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 can I save with 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 its South Australians that stand to save the most from upgrading their appliances, followed by households in New South Wales and Queensland.
The table below uses the same estimations as the one listed above. 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 | $242 | $154 | $117 | $71 |
| Sydney | $192 | $122 | $93 | $56 |
| Brisbane | $167 | $106 | $81 | $49 |
| Perth | $166 | $105 | $80 | $49 |
| Hobart | $159 | $101 | $77 | $47 |
| Darwin | $152 | $96 | $73 | $44 |
| Melbourne | $143 | $91 | $69 | $42 |
| Canberra | $141 | $90 | $68 | $41 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 5/09/2023. Average energy consumption figures based on televisions listed in the Commonwealth of Australia E3 Programs Registration database, which assumes 10 hours use plus 14 hours in standby per day. Electricity usage cost estimates based on average electricity usage rates: 35.6c/kWh for Sydney, 26.5c/kWh in Melbourne, 31.0c/kWh in Brisbane, 44.9c/kWh in Adelaide, 30.8c/kWh in Perth, 29.5c/kWh in Hobart, 28.1c/kWh in Darwin and 26.2c/kWh in Canberra. Average electricity usage rates based on single-rate, non-solar only plans on Canstar’s database, available for an annual usage of 4,347kWh.
Want to learn more about how much power your TV is using? See what leaving your TV on standby mode could be costing you with Canstar Blue’s appliance standby cost analysis.
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.
What affects TV power consumption?
Settings and features can add toward the cost of running your TV. 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 things listed below have a rather minimal impact, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
- 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 incredible miniscule amount to your TV’s electricity consumption, except where 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 a noticeable amount more to run.
- 3-D TV: 3-D technology requires a complicated array of colours on screen. Processing these images requires the TV to work a little harder, pushing up the energy bill.
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 mind. Particularly if you find yourself with a shock 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 or 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.
Sign up to BINGE!
Are you looking for something binge-worthy? Why not check out BINGE? With multiple subscription plans available, you can choose a plan that suits you (or your family) and settle in for a night on the couch with a wide range of movies and shows!
| 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 | |||
Image credit: r.classen/Shutterstock.com
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