How Many Watts Does Your TV Use? Uncovering the Truth

Do you know how many watts a TV uses? Most of us don't think about it, but with larger screens and higher resolutions becoming the norm, your TV could be adding more to your electricity bill than you realize. Whether you're a casual viewer or a binge-watcher, understanding your TV's power consumption can help you make smarter choices and potentially lower your bills. In this guide, we'll break down the numbers to help you better manage your energy use. 

Average Power Consumption of TVs

When it comes to how much power does a tv use per hour, it's not always easy to give a one-size-fits-all answer. The amount of electricity a TV consumes largely depends on many factors, which we'll cover later. For now, though, we can provide some general guidelines to help you understand the average wattage for televisions of different sizes.

32-inch TV: Smaller TVs typically use less power. A 32-inch LED or LCD TV will usually consume between 40 and 70 watts when in use. This range can vary depending on the brand and specific model, but overall, these TVs are quite energy-efficient.

40 to 50-inch TV: As the screen size increases, so does the TV power consumption. For mid-sized TVs, like a 40 to 50-inch model, the average wattage tends to be higher, typically around 50 to 100 watts. This is true for both LED and OLED types, although OLED screens might be slightly more efficient in some cases.

55-inch and above: For larger TVs, especially those 55 inches and above, power consumption can range from 80 to 180 watts or more. The added power needed for a bigger screen and higher resolution (such as 4K or 8K) naturally increases the wattage. 

For older technologies like plasma TVs, the average power usage can be significantly higher, typically in the range of 200 to 400 watts.

Here is a table summarizing common TV sizes and their average power consumption in watts. These values represent typical modern LED TVs in active mode:

TV Size (inches)	Power Consumption (Watts)
32	40 - 70
40	50 - 100
43	60 - 110
50	70 - 150
55	80 - 180
60	90 - 200
65	120 - 220
75	150 - 250

 

What Factors Affect TV Power Consumption?

Now that we have a general idea of how many watts a TV uses based on size, let's look at the specific factors that influence power consumption. The actual wattage your TV uses can vary due to several key elements, which are important to consider if you're trying to manage your energy use effectively.

 1.TV Size

It's no surprise that larger TVs generally consume more power. A bigger screen requires more energy to light up, especially when displaying high-resolution content. So, while a 32-inch TV might use around 50 watts, a 65-inch or larger model could use up to three times that.

2.Type of TV Technology

Different TV technologies consume power at different rates. Here's a quick breakdown of the most common types:

1. LED TVs: Generally more energy-efficient than other technologies.This type uses light-emitting diodes to illuminate the screen, offering better energy efficiency and brightness than traditional LCD TVs. They come in two types: edge-lit and full-array, with the latter providing more uniform backlighting and better contrast levels.

 

2. LCD TVs (Liquid Crystal Display):Utilize a liquid crystal solution sandwiched between the two layers of glass, which is then backlit by fluorescent lamps. These TVs are slightly less efficient than LED models but still a good choice in terms of energy consumption.

 

3. OLED TVs (Organic Light Emitting Diodes):Feature self-emissive pixels that produce both light and color, delivering superior contrast, color accuracy, and response times. While generally efficient, OLEDs may consume more power during bright, colorful scenes but are more energy-efficient in darker scenes.

 

4. CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube):The older, bulky televisions use an electron beam to create images on a phosphorescent screen. They offer good color accuracy and response times, but their weight and size make them less practical for modern use.

 

5. Plasma TVs:Plasma screens are an older technology that generate images by ionizing gas to create plasma, emitting ultraviolet light to excite phosphors and produce visible light. This process requires more energy, making plasma TVs consume significantly more power than modern LED or OLED models.

3. Brightness and Display Settings

The way you configure your TV's settings can have a substantial impact on its energy consumption. Higher brightness levels, contrast, and enhanced display settings like HDR (High Dynamic Range) require more power. If your TV is set to the maximum brightness, it will consume more watts. Many modern TVs offer "Eco" or "Energy-Saving" modes, which can help reduce brightness and lower power usage without drastically affecting the viewing experience.

4. Usage Patterns

How long you use your TV each day directly influences its overall energy consumption. A TV that's on for many hours will naturally use more electricity than one that's only used occasionally. Turning off the TV when not in use, or using timers to automatically switch it off, can help minimize unnecessary power consumption.

 

5. Standby Mode

Most modern TVs don't turn off completely unless you unplug them. In standby mode, your TV still draws a small amount of power varying between 0.5W to 3W. While this may seem minimal, it can add up over time, especially if you leave the TV in standby for long periods.

5.Resolution and Features

Higher resolution TVs, such as 4K or 8K models, use more power compared to standard HD TVs. The more pixels your TV has, the more energy it needs to deliver a sharp, detailed picture. Additional features like smart functionality, voice control, and gaming modes can also increase a TV's energy usage.

How Much Electricity Does a TV Use?

Knowing exactly how much electricity your TV uses can help you better manage your energy consumption and costs. Luckily, calculating this is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps. All you need to know is your TV's wattage, how many hours you use it per day, and the cost of electricity in your area. Does your TV use a lot of electricity? Let's break it down.

Step 1: Find Out Your TV's Wattage

The first step is to check your TV's wattage. This information is often found on the label at the back of the TV or in the user manual. If you can't find it there, you can look it up online using the model number.

Step 2: Estimate How Many Hours You Use Your TV Per Day

Next, figure out how many hours you typically watch TV each day. Whether it's just a couple of hours in the evening or a full day of use, having an estimate will help you calculate total energy usage.

Step 3: Use the Simple Formula

Use this basic formula to calculate how much energy your TV uses: 

For example, if you have a TV that uses 100 watts and you watch it for 5 hours a day, the calculation would be:

Since electricity is usually billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), you'll need to convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours:

500 Wh÷1000=0.5 kWh per day

Step 4: Calculate Monthly or Yearly Usage

To get a clearer picture of how much electricity a TV uses per month, you can multiply the daily consumption by the number of days in a month. For example:

0.5 kWh per day×30 days=15 kWh per month

For yearly usage, the calculation would be:

0.5 kWh per day×365 days=182.5 kWh per year

Step 5: Calculate Your TV's Energy Cost

Once you know how many kilowatt-hours your TV consumes, it's easy to figure out the cost. Just multiply your energy usage by your local electricity rate. For example, if your electricity rate is $0.16 per kWh, then for a TV that uses 15 kWh per month:

15 kWh×0.16=$2.40 per month

For yearly usage:

182.5 kWh×0.16=$29.20 per year

This shows you exactly how much your TV adds to your electricity bill.

Tips for Reducing TV Power Consumption 

Here are some additional ways to reduce your TV's energy consumption and lower your electricity bills:

1. Turn off TV when not in use:One of the most common/simplest yet best ways to save energy consumption is to turn off your TV when you're not watching it. Leaving it on standby mode still consumes power, so make sure to switch it off completely.

 

2. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings:Many TVs come with high brightness and contrast settings by default. Reducing these settings can help save energy without compromising the picture quality.

 

3. Use Power-Saving Accessories: Smart power strips can automatically cut off power when the TV is turned off, reducing standby energy consumption.

 

4. Optimize Smart Features: Disable unused apps and background processes on smart TVs to reduce energy consumption.

 

5. Power Your TV with Solar Energy: For even greater energy savings, pairing your home electronics with a solar generator can further reduce reliance on grid power, offering a sustainable solution for powering your TV and other devices.

For a sustainable way to power your TV and reduce energy costs, consider the Anker SOLIX F2000. It boasts a 2048Wh capacity and 2400W output, capable of powering 99% of household appliances. It supports up to 1000W solar input and features long-lasting LiFePO4 batteries, offering 3,000 charge cycles with zero capacity loss. This makes it ideal for home backup or off-grid living, reducing reliance on grid power while ensuring efficiency and durability. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding how many watts does a tv use can help you make smarter energy choices, reduce electricity bills, and even lessen your environmental impact. By considering TV size, technology, and usage habits, you can estimate and manage your energy consumption more effectively. Looking for more ways to save? Explore Anker's range of energy-efficient products and tips to lower your overall power usage. Ready to make a change? Check out our solar power solutions for a more sustainable way to power your home.

FAQs

How many watts is a 55 inch TV?

A 55-inch TV typically uses between 80 to 180 watts, depending on the model, type (LED, LCD, or OLED) and settings like brightness.

How much power does a 65-inch TV consume?

A 65-inch TV typically consumes between 120 to 220 watts while in use, depending on its type (LED, OLED, or QLED) and settings like brightness. 

How many amps does a tv use?

A TV typically uses 0.5 to 3 amps, depending on size and technology. To calculate the exact amperage, divide the TV's wattage by the household voltage (120V in the U.S.). For example, a 200-watt TV would use about 1.67 amps (200W ÷ 120V = 1.67A).