How Much Energy Does Your New TV Use?

Some Use Over 600 Watts
The Equivalent Of Burning 6 Old Fashioned Light Bulbs!

Before you bought your nice new HD LCD or Plasma super deluxe, instant on, life like color, does everything except make coffee, television, did you check it's power consumption rating?

If not you might be in for a real surprise when you get your next hydro bill.

According to a study of 150 televisions by CNET a 58 inch Panasonic TH-58PZ700U Plasma HDTV used 607 watts in a power on state. To give that number some basis of comparison it is the same as burning 6 of the old fashioned 100 watt bulbs at the same time. To compare it with a 13w compact fluorescent (you know the ones you have everywhere now) it is the same as burning 46 of them at the same time.

The most power efficient televison they tested was a Philips 42PFL5603D which is a 42 inch LCD which uses 91 watts in a power on state.

To view the results from all 150 model tested use this LINK. Remember the annual operating cost this study shows is not necessarily based on your charge for hydro. It also is based on the set being viewed for 5.2 hrs. per day which may or may not reflect your viewing habits. Some homes may have the set on far more than 5 hrs., some far less. It does not factor in things like picture quality, product life etc.

So, before you decide on that shiny new television you might seriously want to consider how it will affect your hydro bill as consuming less hydro is not only a matter of your finances but also how it will impact your 'green' considerations.