Energy-saving appliances Energy-efficient TVs
TVs with energy-saving features like ambient light sensors can help reduce bills
If you're a keen TV watcher energy costs can rack up - especially if you go for a large screen size. As a rule, the bigger the TV the more energy it's likely to use.
However, even TVs the same size can vary in energy use. Our tests show that annual energy costs for 40-inch LCD TVs range from £14 to £42.
LCD TVs tend to use less energy than the same size plasma. For even lower bills, look out for LED TVs. This is a newer type of LCD technology that is more efficient.
You read our LED, LCD and plasma TV reviews, based on in-depth testing, to discover the best and worst models and use our TV energy running costs calculator to compare how much different models costs to run.
Top energy-saving TVs
Below, we've picked out two great Energy Savers - Best Buy TVs that score five stars for energy use when switched on, taking screen size into account. Plus we've selected other energy-efficient 32, 37 and 40-inch Best Buy TVs. Which? members can log in to reveal our recommendations in the table below.
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TV energy costs - best and worst on test
How much difference is there between TV models when it comes to energy consumption? We measure this when we test TVs in our lab.
The number of energy-saving features on many TVs has multiplied recently - so we've raised the bar in our TV energy use testing accordingly.
When you're browsing our LED, LCD and plasma TV reviews, you can find out how much a particular model will cost you to run per year - just use our TV energy running costs calculator.
We calculate typical annual running costs per model, based on a TV being switched on for five hours a day and left in standby for the rest of the day. Running costs can range from a mere £4 to £85 a year, depending on the type and size of TV you choose.
Save energy watching TV
Keep an eye out for these useful energy-saving features.
Ambient light sensors
Ambient light sensors - the most ingenious of all energy-saving TV features - can help you make big energy savings, and are now featured on most TVs of 32 inches and over. The sensor adjusts the backlight of the TV according to how dark or light the room is, and if you watch the TV with the lights off they can slash power use by around 30-50%.
Screen blanking
Most new TVs can blank the screen when tuned into digital radio channels, and switch themselves off if left idle for too long. Sony has also developed energy-saving presence sensors that turn the picture off if it senses that nobody is in the room. There is even a screen warning to alert particularly static couch potatoes.
LED-backlit TVs
While LCD televisions are more energy efficient than plasma TVs, newer LED-backlit LCDs are proving to save even more energy than traditional LCD models, using hundreds of small LEDs instead of fluorescent backlights. Check out our interactive HDTV features guide, for more on green TV features.
- Expert advice on how to buy the best TV
- Which? reviews: best and worst TVs
- Easy ways to cut your electricity bill
