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May 9, 2010
More efficient TVs could save a lot of energy. According to the EPA, Americans’ 275 million TVs consume over 50 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That’s 4% of U.S. households’ total electrical consumption–enough to power all the homes in the state of New York for an entire year.
Watch without wasting energy More efficient TVs could save energy. According to the EPA, Americans’ 275 million TVs consume over 50 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That’s 4% of U.S. households’ total electrical consumption–enough to power all the homes in the state of New York for an entire year.
So when you buy a TV you might want to see what you can do about shrinking that number to save energy. First, think about the size and type of screen. Smaller screens use less energy than big ones, so it’s smart to consider how big a screen you actually need. For example, a 52-inch TV with an LCD screen might require 400 watts or more when it is turned on, whereas a 19-inch LCD might use only 40 or 45 watts. In general LCD and CRT screens save energy more than DLPs or plasmas. Even within these categories, though, are energy misers and energy hogs. Fifty-inch plasma models can vary by almost 180 watts. To compare models, look at wattage ratings. That can be difficult, given the huge variety of TVs, but it will soon become easier. Starting in November 2008, the EPA will give an Energy Star label to the TVs that save energy the most. A preview of models that have already qualified, some of which are 30% more efficient than non-qualified models, is available on the Energy Star website.