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Yes. A larger-screen TV generally uses more electricity than a smaller one, all else being equal, but screen size alone cannot tell you how much a particular TV will use or what it will cost to run. Display technology, brightness settings, viewing hours, standby power and connected devices all matter. For a useful estimate, check the exact model’s energy information and apply the electricity rate on your own bill.
Why a bigger screen can use more electricity
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states, “TVs with smaller screens use less energy than those with larger screens.” That is a general relationship, not a fixed wattage for every large TV. Two TVs with similar screen sizes can use different amounts of electricity because of their display technology, settings and use. DOE’s television purchasing guidance was updated in December 2024.
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LED-backlit LCD TVs are among the options DOE identifies as generally efficient. Features can also affect use: local dimming reduces or turns off sections of the backlight, while automatic brightness control adjusts brightness to the room. A vivid or sports picture preset may use more energy than a less-bright setting; DOE recommends using the ENERGY STAR picture preset as much as practical.
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There is no single reliable “big TV” wattage. The useful figure is the exact model’s annual energy consumption, stated in kilowatt-hours (kWh), or an estimate based on measured average power and your hours of use. The DOE’s example illustrates why efficiency matters even at the same screen size:
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| DOE example, 54.5-inch LED TV | Annual energy | Example annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR-level model | 168 kWh | $18 |
| Less-efficient comparison model | 235 kWh | $26 |
These figures are DOE’s modeled example, not a prediction for a household or a current product recommendation. The calculation assumes 1,825 active hours and 6,935 standby hours per year, and electricity at 11¢/kWh—the average price at federal facilities as of July 2024. DOE’s lifetime-cost comparison additionally assumes five years of product life and a 3% discount rate. Actual use and cost depend on the TV, settings, viewing habits, standby time and the rate on your electricity bill. See DOE’s assumptions and example.
What changes a TV’s electricity use?
- Screen size: Larger screens generally use more energy than smaller screens, all else equal.
- Display and backlighting: Technology and features such as local dimming affect energy use.
- Brightness and picture preset: Brighter settings can raise use. DOE says the default/ENERGY STAR preset is the one used to earn the label and recommends using it to maintain savings.
- Room light and automatic brightness: Automatic brightness control can reduce screen brightness when conditions allow.
- Viewing and standby hours: The longer the TV is on, the more active energy it can use; standby consumption can also contribute to the annual total.
- Connected equipment: Streaming devices, receivers and other components can draw power as part of the setup, including when the TV is off.
How to estimate your TV’s annual cost
Use the model’s annual kWh figure when available, then multiply it by your electricity price per kWh. If you are estimating from power instead, multiply average watts by hours of use to get watt-hours, then divide by 1,000 for kWh. Add standby use if you want to account for the time the TV remains connected but is not actively playing.
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For example, if a TV averages 100 watts while on and is watched for 5 hours, that session uses 500 watt-hours, or 0.5 kWh. Multiply the energy used over your chosen period by the price per kWh shown on your bill. This is a calculation example, not a claim about the typical power use of a large TV.
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- Check each model’s EnergyGuide information and ENERGY STAR status. DOE says FTC energy reporting includes power in on and standby modes and annual energy consumption. TV energy-use representations follow a federal test procedure; see DOE’s television program and test-procedure information.
- Compare annual kWh on the same basis. Differences in assumptions can make figures misleading, so check what each number represents.
- Compare like with like. Similar screen sizes help distinguish efficiency from the additional area of a larger screen. Also consider the settings and viewing hours you expect to use.
- Account for the whole setup. Include standby use and connected components if they remain powered when the TV is off.
- Weigh energy savings against purchase price. A more efficient TV can reduce running costs, but whether that offsets a higher upfront price depends on your use, electricity rate and how long you keep it.
DOE notes that there are currently no federal energy conservation standards for TVs; ENERGY STAR is a voluntary qualification program. Model-specific figures and the conditions used to report them are therefore more useful for comparison than screen size alone. DOE explains the program and test procedure.
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- INSTALLS IN CIRCUIT PANEL of most homes with clamp-on sensors. Supports Single phase, Single-split phase, and 2-wire systems. 3-wire systems; 3-phase, 4-wire Wye systems with earthed (TN or TT) neutral (no-Delta) are supported with an additional 200A sensor (sold separately).
- 24/7 ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING: Automate, manage and control your home's real power anywhere, anytime to prevent costly repairs, conserve energy, and save costs. Monitor solar / net metering. PROTECTED BY A 1-YEAR WARRANTY.
- LOWER YOUR ELECTRIC BILL: Configure settings in the Emporia Energy App to automate energy management for time of use, peak demand, excess solar, and rewards programs. You can even see live reporting and invaluable savings opportunities instantly. Gauge real-time spending and get actionable notifications and automated energy management to help you reduce costs.
- REAL-TIME ENERGY DATA: REQUIRES 2.4 GHz WIFI WITH AN INTERNET CONNECTION to monitor energy use with iPhone / Android / Web app. Vue sensors collect energy data and are accurate from ±2%. The Vue is UL and CE Listed for your safety. 1 second data is only available in the app (when actively open) and retained 3 hours. Minute and hour data are retained in the cloud. 1 minute data is retained 7 days, 1 hour data is retained indefinitely. Export cloud data whenever you want in the app.
How to measure your own TV’s use
- Check the TV’s model-specific energy information first, including its on-mode and standby figures.
- For a direct reading, use a plug-in electricity monitor that is compatible with the TV’s outlet. Measure over enough time to capture changes during viewing rather than relying on one brief reading.
- Average fluctuating power by dividing the measured energy or power total by the measurement period, as described in DOE’s standby-power measurement guidance.
- Convert the measured kWh to cost using your own electricity rate. The 11¢/kWh used in DOE’s example is not a current national or household rate.
Ways to reduce electricity use
- Use the ENERGY STAR picture preset as much as practical instead of a brighter preset.
- Consider automatic brightness control and local dimming when choosing a TV.
- Turn off the TV and connected components when they are not in use. DOE suggests a smart power strip to prevent waste in a TV setup; first confirm that connected devices do not need standby power.
- Adjust your estimate to your own viewing hours and electricity price rather than relying on a general cost figure.
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