How much electricity does a television use?

What changes the cost of a television?

The quick answer is power multiplied by time and your electricity rate—but the right input depends on the appliance. Wattwise starts this calculator with a representative estimate, not a manufacturer-specific claim. Replace defaults with measured, label, or bill values wherever possible.

• Screen size and panel technology
• Brightness and picture mode
• Daily viewing hours
• Standby behavior
• Set-top boxes and sound systems

Example television running costs

These examples use Canada electricity rate and the typical schedule shown in the calculator. Electricity tariffs vary by provider, tier, time, tax, and subsidy, so replace the rate with the value on your bill.

Ways to reduce this appliance’s electricity cost

Savings depend on comfort, safety, usage, and the equipment you already own. Model a change before buying a replacement, and verify high-cost appliances with a meter or label value.

1. Use an efficient picture mode and moderate brightness.
2. Include the set-top box and sound system in your estimate.
3. Measure older entertainment equipment with a plug-in meter.

How Wattwise calculated this estimate

For the default inputs, Wattwise estimates $2.58 per month and 12.9 kWh at the global reference rate. The active formula is: average active power kW × operating hours × quantity, plus standby.

The displayed range widens when power, duty cycle, weather, or tariff data are estimates. It narrows when you provide measured energy, an official annual kWh value, or a per-cycle energy label. Fixed charges are not allocated to one appliance unless you explicitly create a household bill allocation.