subject: The Energy Cost Of A New Tv [print this page] We all tend to think that the newer electronics are the better models, and that the televisions with the big backs on them are a thing of the past. Older technologies are fading and they're taking their energy efficiency with them. Take a look at how your TV could cost you on your home energy bill.
Electronics have definitely become the new fashionable decor. They can really pull a room together. There's the digital picture frames, and then there's the flat screen television. We all secretly want one, if we don't already have one, or two.
They nestle themselves perfectly above a fireplace, on the wall, or in a display. There are plenty of ways to seemingly show off the new television, but there could be a fairly high energy cost, so beware!
Let's Compare
When we compare a rear projection, or tube television, to the newer plasma and LCD models we find that newer does not mean energy efficient. In fact, these newer models are quite energy deficient. According to ENERGY STAR, the rear projection is the most energy saving television, then the LCD and then the plasma.
If you're considering buying an LCD or plasma screen television you should also consider the size of the television. Of course most homeowners want the biggest television-- who wouldn't!? But, here's something to consider. The bigger the television the more energy it uses.
Also, if you're replacing your old tube television and are concerned about wasting energy, be sure to buy a new flat screen that's a similar size to your tube television. Or, if you want to go bigger just bear in mind you will be increasing your energy expense. Sometimes the increase in cost isn't as scary if we knowingly make the choice. So, just be mindful of the possible increase.
What's the difference between LCD and plasma televisions anyways?
LCD & Plasma
The plasma television doesn't separate its resolution from its power source. In fact, each pixel is basically a tiny light bulb that expels energy as the resolution increases. This is actually the reason why plasma televisions use about two to three times more energy than most LCD models.
The LCD model uses a backlight and uses a panel that houses the pixels. So, the resolution and power are actually separate, and thus do not rise and fall at the same rate.
The Energy Comparison
Many homeowners are unaware of how much energy their new flat screen actually uses. ENERGY STAR has made this easier for us by making this simple comparison. We can compare the yearly energy used by a new television to the energy used each year by a refrigerator. Can you believe that a refrigerator uses the same amount of energy as a television?! Something sounds a bit "off"; a refrigerator works all day long while a television only uses energy when it's turned on. That's what most homeowners think, but unfortunately, it isn't all that true.
Other Factors
Most home entertainment systems include more than just a television. Some even include several video gaming systems. There's the Xbox, Playstation 3, and then there's the Wii. The television is also accompanied by a dvd player, speakers, dvr, and probably more! Most homeowners don't account for these accessories, but the electric company sure does!
Here's some facts provided by ENERGY STAR to put some things into perspective. A refrigerator uses about 500 kWh per year, Playstation 3 uses 197 watts, Xbox 360 uses 187 watts, and a dvr uses about 33 watts.
Every time you think you're watching your television you're also running these other features that go alongside your television. Oh, and we can't forget about phantom appliances. These are the appliances we think are turned off but are still using electricity. If your dvd player or gaming system has a light on even when it's turned off, it's still using electricity. The best way to reduce phantoms and the energy used by your television and accessories is to plug everything into a surge protector and make sure to turn off the surge protector whenever it's not in use.
Additional Energy Saving Tips
One of the best ways to save energy is by switching to low cost electric supplier. Be sure to compare rates and find a plan that works best for you. A home energy audit is also a great way to lower your electric bill. A home energy audit is conducted by an energy expert who inspects your home for any energy problems. This professional can inform you of any tips and perform the necessary repairs to make your home more energy efficient.
