How Much Does It Cost to Run a TV?

Watts depend on screen size and technology

A 55-inch LED television uses roughly 100 to 150 watts during normal viewing. An older plasma of the same size can draw 250 to 400 watts, while a modern OLED may use 90 to 130 watts with an average picture. Screen brightness and HDR content also increase power draw noticeably.

The advertised power consumption is often listed on the EnergyGuide label or in the specification sheet. Use that number as a starting point, but know that real-world viewing with dimmer settings and mixed content can be 20-30 percent lower.

Standby power adds up over time

Most televisions draw a small amount of power even when turned off, typically 0.5 to 3 watts, to keep the remote receiver active. While a single watt seems negligible, 2 watts of standby power for 20 hours a day over a year adds nearly 15 kWh, or about $2.50 at the national average rate.

Smart TVs also consume extra power when streaming content because the network interface and processor stay active. A streaming stick plugged into the TV's USB port may draw its own standby power from the same source.

• Unplug the TV or use a switched power strip if it will not be used for several days.
• Disable quick-start or network-standby features if they are not needed.
• Check the soundbar or home-theater receiver for its own standby load.

A typical monthly cost example

At an illustrative 18 cents per kWh, a 120-watt LED television used for four hours per day costs about 14 cents per day or $4.30 per month in energy charges. If the same TV stays in standby for the remaining 20 hours, the standby cost adds roughly 20 cents per month.

Replace the wattage, hours, and local rate with your own numbers. If the TV is often on as background noise for eight or more hours, the monthly cost can double or triple.