TCL

HOW MUCH ELECTRICITY DOES YOUR TELEVISION USE AND HOW CAN YOU REDUCE COSTS?

Watching television is a favourite pastime in Switzerland. Whether you're watching your favourite show or a film with your family, a TV is a staple in most households. However, with rising energy prices and environmental awareness, it's important to think about how much electricity your TV is using and how you can cut costs.

Reading time: 6 min.

How much electricity does a TV use and how much does it cost?

Electricity consumption depends on the type, size and age of your TV. The duration of use also plays a role: the more hours you leave your TV switched on each day, the more electricity it consumes.

How to calculate the power consumption of your TV

Rated power
Find the rated power (in watts) on the energy label or in the operating instructions for your TV.

Power consumption per hour
Multiply the rated power by the electricity price per kWh. In Switzerland, the average electricity price is 34 centimes/kWh.

Electricity consumption per day/week/month/year
Multiply the electricity consumption per hour by the number of hours you use the TV per day/week/month/year.

Example

Rated power: 50 watts
Electricity price: 34 centimes /kWh
Daily use: 5 hours
Electricity consumption per hour: 50 watts * 34 centimes./kWh = 17 centimes
Electricity consumption per day: 17 centimes /hour * 5 hours = 85 centimes
Electricity consumption per year: 85 centimes /day * 365 days = 31,025 centimes = CHF 310.25

How much energy does a television consume in standby mode?

Modern televisions consume between 0.5 and 3 watts of electricity in standby mode. Whilst this may not seem like a lot of energy, it can add up over time.

Tip:
Switch off the TV completely when you are not using it or use a power strip with a switch to prevent standby mode.