Here’s how to select an energy-efficient TV for the monsoon
When it comes to buying a new TV or upgrading your existing TV, the common attributes we consider are the screen size, display type, reliability of the brand, and price. However, there are also energy-efficient TVs that not only help reduce your electricity bill but are also good for the environment. So, you must now be wondering how to select energy-saving TVs for eco-conscious viewing and reduced electricity bills during monsoons. Well, we are here to help.
TV: How to select energy-saving TVs
In India, the easiest way to recognize energy-efficient electrical appliances is to look for a star rating from BEE. These star ratings are prominently seen on appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) employs a five-star grading system, with more stars indicating higher energy efficiency.
However, not every TV offers an energy rating, and TV technology has matured so much that it has become energy-efficient on its own. Here is how to select energy-saving TVs for eco-conscious viewing and reduced electricity bills during monsoons:
- Choose the right size: The screen consumes the most energy on a TV, even though the receiver and speakers consume little energy as well. A bigger screen means your TV will consume more energy. So, the first step to saving energy is to choose a TV that is no bigger than the size you need for your home.
- Display Type: Display Type and picture quality are two factors that directly affect energy consumption. A 4K display has 8.3 million pixels, which is four times as many as a 1080p screen and thus consumes more power. However, if you choose an OLED panel then it may consume less power than a LED panel.
- Energy-saving modes: Some TV makers offer an energy-saving mode that offers features like automatic shut-off while screen dimmers that cut the amount of energy needed when the set is on. TV technology has improved so much that most TVs only consume 0.5W on standby.
How much power does a TV use anyway?
This primarily depends on the technology, the quality of manufacturing and energy efficiency. The one thing that remains consistent is that newer LED TV sets consume less energy than older models. The easiest way to find out exactly how much electricity your TV consumes, look at its wattage and divide it by 1,000 to determine how many kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity it uses.
For example, the 43-inch Samsung Crystal 4K Ultra HD TV has a rated power consumption of 110 Watts and with an average unit cost of Rs 6.29 per kilowatt-hour, this TV costs Rs 0.69 per hour and if you use the TV for 5 hours per day then the actual cost will be around Rs 3.45 per day or Rs 104 per month. It will cost around Rs 1,270 per year.
Sony TV and other TVs: Are new TVs more efficient
With Sony TVs, not every model comes with an official energy rating or clear depiction of power consumption. However, they don’t tend to consume a lot more energy than what is standard in the segment. For example, the Sony Bravia 2 K-55S25 has a rated power consumption of 153 Watts and a standby power consumption of 0.5 Watts.
Whether it is a Sony TV or TVs from other manufacturers, the key thing to know is that TVs have become more energy-efficient in the past few years. This is partly aided by technological advances that have dramatically reduced power consumption thanks to features like automatic brightness control. When it comes to panels, LED TVs consume much less energy than older LCD TVs, while OLEDs are even more energy-efficient.
