You’ve probably found yourself asking at some point, how many watts does a TV use? It’s a valid question, especially when you’re trying to keep an eye on your electricity bill or make sure the TV stays on during load shedding. The fact is that TV power usage varies greatly depending on various factors. For example, if you’ve got a big OLED smart TV, it’s going to use more power than a smaller LED model.
But don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll break down the average energy consumption of different types of TVs, explain what factors impact their power usage, and give you some simple tips to help you save both energy and money.
How Much Watts Does a TV Use on Average?
If you’re wondering, “How many watts does a TV use per hour?”, most modern TVs use between 50 to 200 watts on average. Of course, this can vary based on the type, screen size, and settings of your TV, but this is a good baseline for most LED and LCD models. Plasma and larger models may use more power, while smaller or more energy-efficient models may fall at the lower end of that range.
To find the exact wattage for your specific TV, check the label for its wattage rating. If the label lists TV current consumption (Amps) and voltage (Volts) instead, you can easily calculate the wattage using this formula: Watts = Amps × Volts.
This knowledge can be super useful, especially if you’re planning to use portable power stations or power banks for TV during load shedding. By knowing the TV wattage, you can determine how much power your portable solution needs to have and how long it can keep your TV on.
For example, a 42-inch LCD TV uses about 120 watts. With the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station, which offers 800W output and 768Wh capacity, you can easily run your TV for about 6 hours before needing to recharge the power station.
What Factors Influence a TV’s Energy Consumption?
Now that you understand the basic average, let’s take a closer look at what factors actually influence television power consumption:
TV Types
The type of TV you own is one of the biggest factors that affect its energy consumption. Different technologies, such as LED, LCD, Plasma, and OLED, all consume power at different rates. Here’s a breakdown of how each one stacks up:
- LED TVs (50-100W)
These are the most common type on the market and are generally the most energy efficient. They use less power, typically 50 to 100 watts, due to their energy-saving LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlighting.
- LCD TVs (70-200W)
Older than LED models, LCD TVs use a different backlighting method that consumes more energy. Expect them to draw about 70 to 200 watts, depending on the model and settings.
- Plasma TVs (100-500W)
They are known for their deep contrast and colour accuracy but consume significantly more power, from 100 to 500 watts, due to the gas-based lighting technology. It’s less common in modern households.
- OLED/QLED TVs (60-350W)
These newer models offer incredible picture quality, with OLEDs using individual light-emitting diodes for each pixel. They tend to consume between 60 to 350 watts, making them a bit more efficient than plasma but more power-hungry than LED.
- CRT TVs (100-400W)
These legacy models (Cathode Ray Tube) are bulky and power-hungry. They were common before flat-screen TVs took over and use between 100 and 400 watts, depending on the size.
Screen Size
Larger TVs obviously consume more power because they require more energy to illuminate a bigger display. Here’s a quick reference to give you an idea of the TV power draw of different screen sizes:
| Screen Size | LED TV | LCD TV | Plasma TV | OLED/QLED TV |
| 24” | 35W | 50W | N/A | N/A |
| 30” | 38W | 60W | 150W | N/A |
| 32” | 42W | 70W | 160W | N/A |
| 37” | 44W | 80W | 180W | 66W |
| 40” | 50W | 100W | 200W | 72W |
| 42” | 58W | 120W | 220W | 75W |
| 50” | 72W | 150W | 300W | 90W |
| 55” | 80W | 180W | 370W | 98W |
| 60” | 88W | 200W | 500W | 108W |
So, if you’re asking, how many watts does a 55-inch TV use, an LED model might use as little as 80 watts, while an older plasma TV can use up to 370 watts or more.
Brightness Settings
Cranking up the brightness feels cinematic, but it’s a fast track to higher energy use. Most TVs default to “Vivid” or “Dynamic” mode, which maxes out brightness. It can consume anywhere from 20 to 40% more power than if it were set to a lower brightness.
Many modern TVs also have an “eco” or “energy-saving” mode, which automatically adjusts the brightness based on the surrounding light, helping to reduce energy use.
Usage Patterns
How often you use your TV and how long it’s on can make a big difference in your total energy consumption. If you tend to leave your TV on all day—even when you’re not watching it—your energy bill will naturally be higher. Similarly, binge-watching for hours on end will also rack up the power usage.
A typical TV might be on for an average of 4–6 hours a day, which can lead to an energy consumption of 200 to 600 Wh a day, depending on the model and settings. But if you’re watching in short bursts or on days when you don’t watch at all, you’ll obviously use less energy.
Standby Mode Consumption
Even when “off,” many TVs sip power for features like instant-on or updates (called vampire power). Modern TVs use about 0.5–5 watts in standby mode. While this seems small, it adds up over time.
For example, if your TV uses 3 watts while in standby and stays in this mode for 24 hours a day for an entire month, it will consume about 2.16 kWh over that period.
Energy Efficiency Ratings
When shopping for a new TV, a model with a higher energy efficiency rating uses less power to produce the same level of performance. Check the South African Energy Efficiency Label (regulated by SANEDI).
TVs are graded from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). An “A”-rated TV could save you hundreds of rands over its lifespan compared to a “D” model. ENERGY STAR-certified TVs (common in imports) are also great choices for efficiency.
What’s the Cost of Running Your TV?
Now let’s talk about the cost of running your TV. With electricity costs constantly on the rise, understanding how much your TV adds to your monthly electricity bill can help you make smarter choices.
The cost of powering your TV depends on a few key elements:
- The wattage of your TV
- How long you leave it on each day
- The electricity rate in your area
The formula is simple:
Monthly Cost = (Power Consumption in kW × Hours Used Daily × 30 Days) × Electricity Rate
Annual Cost = (Power Consumption in kW × Hours Used Daily × 365 Days) × Electricity Rate
Here’s how to calculate:
Let’s say you have a 55” LED TV that uses 80 watts per hour and you watch TV for 5 hours a day. Next, you need to know your local electricity rate.
In South Africa, electricity rates can vary significantly depending on where you live, whether you’re supplied directly by Eskom or through your municipality, the type of meter you have, and how much electricity you use.
For residential consumers, the current electricity costs typically range from R2.00 to R4.50 per kWh. For example, if you live in Cape Town, here’s what you can expect:
- Lifeline Tariff: R2.37 per kWh (including VAT)
- Domestic Tariff: R3.91 per kWh (including VAT); R4.75 per kWh (including VAT) above 600 kWh
Let’s use an average cost of R2.50 per kWh to simplify the example:
The cost of running your TV every month = 0.08 kW × 5 hours × 30 × R2.50 = R30
The cost of running your TV every year = 0.08 kW × 5 hours × 365 × R2.50 = R365
So, running your 55” LED TV for 5 hours a day would cost you around R30 per month and R365 per year. If you’ve got an older or larger TV, the cost will be higher.
Tips to Reduce Your TV’s Power Consumption
If you’re looking to save electricity bill and minimise your carbon footprint, cutting your TV’s power use is a great place to start! And you don’t have to choose between binge-watching and saving money. Here are some simple, practical tips to make your TV more energy-efficient:
Lower the Brightness
As mentioned earlier, your TV’s brightness is a major energy hog. Most TVs come set to “Vivid” mode, which drains power unnecessarily. To save power, switch to “Eco” or “Cinema” mode. These presets optimize brightness for your room and slash power use by 20–30%.
If you’re watching in a dim room, you can also lower the backlight/contrast manually—your eyes (and wallet) will thank you!
Enable Energy-Saving or Eco Modes
Most modern TVs come equipped with energy-saving features that can help reduce power usage. You just need to activate them. Look for an eco mode, sleep timer (or automatic power-off), or ambient light sensor in your TV settings. These features automatically adjust the TV’s performance to minimize energy consumption.
Kill Standby Power Completely
If you’re not actively watching the TV, make sure to turn it off completely—don’t just leave it in standby mode. TVs in standby can still use up to 5 watts of power per hour, which may not seem like a lot, but it can add up over time.
To make this easier, you could use a smart plug that remotely or automatically cuts power when the TV is off, preventing it from drawing standby power.
Upgrade to a More Energy-Efficient Model
If your TV is older or you’re in the market for a new one, consider investing in a more energy-efficient model. Always check the label and opt for A-rated or ENERGY STAR TVs—they meet strict efficiency standards. Avoid older tech like Plasma or non-certified “budget” brands.
Stream Smarter, Not Harder
Streaming devices (like decoders or gaming consoles) add hidden costs. To save:
- Use your TV’s built-in apps: Built-in Netflix/YouTube uses less power than a plugged-in Fire Stick.
- Turn off “4K” for casual viewing: Lower resolution = less processing power.
- Unplug extras: Soundbars, gaming consoles, and DVD players draw power even when idle. A smart power strip can shut down all linked devices with one click.
Save Money With Solar Generators
If you want to save on electricity bills in the long run and keep your TV on during load shedding, investing in a solar generator for your home is a smart and eco-friendly solution.
A solar generator uses solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in portable power stations for later use. This means you can charge up the battery during the day and use that stored energy to power your TV (or other appliances) during the night or when the grid is down.
One great option to consider is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Portable Power Station paired with EcoFlow 400W solar panels. This portable home battery is designed for home backup and boasts an impressive 3.6kWh capacity, which can be expanded all the way up to 25kWh.
With its 3,600W running AC output, which can be expanded up to 4,500W surge output with the X-Boost technology, your TV is actually a small load among the appliances that portable power station run. It can handle power-hungry devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and even dryers with ease.
During a blackout or load shedding, the DELTA Pro’s Smart Home Panel switches your home’s essential circuits to battery power with a lightning-fast 20ms switchover time—meaning your home stays powered, and you barely notice the loss of electricity.
When paired with three EcoFlow 400W solar panels, the DELTA Pro can be fully recharged in just 4-8 hours (depending on sunlight conditions), ensuring you’re ready for any power outage. By using a solar generator like the DELTA Pro, you can save up to R5,440 annually with 2628 kWh of energy generation!
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of how many watts does a TV use and the different factors that can affect your energy consumption, it’s time to take control. Whether it’s choosing a more efficient model, adjusting your brightness settings, or just being mindful of how long you leave the TV on, every little bit counts.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy your favourite shows and movies without worrying about the impact on your wallet or the planet. And for those who want to keep the TV on during load shedding, investing in solar panels and portable power stations offers a sustainable, long-term solution to rising electricity costs.
FAQs
Does turning off the TV save electricity?
Yes, turning off your TV completely saves electricity. When your TV is turned off, it stops using power, unlike when it’s in standby mode, where it still consumes a small amount of electricity.
Do TVs use a lot of electricity?
TVs can use a significant amount of electricity, but it really depends on the size, type, and how long you watch it. For example, smaller 40” LED TVs use less power (around 50 watts), while larger TVs, like a 60” LCD model or older plasma TVs, can use more (200 watts or higher). On average, a TV might cost you around R30 per month to run, but by adjusting settings like brightness or using eco modes, you can reduce this cost.
Are there energy-efficient TV models available?
Most modern LED, OLED, and QLED TVs are designed to consume less power compared to older LCD or plasma models. Additionally, many of these energy-efficient TVs come with South Africa’s Energy Efficiency Label (A ratings) or Energy Star certifications (for imports), indicating they meet specific energy-saving standards.