Please note that the list of TVs here is not comprehensive and is compiled by a third party. The inclusion or omission of a product does not constitute any endorsement, representation, or opinion by Microsoft regarding the companies, products, or services listed herein.
So you’re searching for a new TV—but not just any TV. You need one that’ll look great when you’re watching Law & Order reruns and still be energy efficient. But how do you choose? Is there a way to spot an energy-efficient TV just by looking? (Am I glad you asked!)
When it comes to TVs, energy efficiency (unfortunately) isn’t one of the criteria most folks use...but it should be. TVs are some of the biggest energy users in a typical entertainment system. Handily, the same trick savvy shoppers often use for picking energy-efficient appliances also works for TVs: Just look for the Energy Star label. Once you do, though, it seems like it’s everywhere—so a couple of tables at the end of this post should help you differentiate.
When choosing TV screen type (plasma, LCD, or otherwise) and screen size (from postage stamp to football field), realize both of these decisions have energy consequences:
- Bigger screens use more energy in general—sometimes a heck of a lot more.
- Plasma TVs use about twice the energy as a similarly sized LCD TV.
- Plasma screens typically can’t be found smaller than 42 inches.
Can’t decide between plasma and LCD? This Consumer Reports discussion might help.
The following charts provide info on a few representative Energy Star TVs, although not necessarily the most energy efficient TVs available (that’s tricky to measure). Even among Energy Star TVs, there’s a lot of variability in energy use, mainly due to screen type and size. All of the info is from Energy Star, with the exception of price points (they’re from manufacturer websites; actual prices may vary in your area). If you don’t see the TV you’re interested in, never fear! Energy Star rates nearly 500 TVs, including some with screens as large as 82 inches. Last, remember to save energy by plugging your whole system into a power strip and turning it off when not in use.
LCD TVs
| Brand/Model
| Screen Size | Resolution | On Mode Power (watts) | Sleep Mode Power (watts) | Estimated Annual Energy Use (kwh/year) | Price |
| Vizio M220VA | 21.5” | 1920 x 1080 | 22 | 0.4 | 42.92 | $300 |
| Samsung UN32C5000QF | 32” | 1920 x 1080 | 42 | 0.1 | 77.34 | $850 |
| Samsung UN40C5000QF | 40” | 1920 x 1080 | 44 | 0.1 | 80.99 | $1,200 |
| Sharp LC-60LE810UN | 60” | 1920 x 1080 | 102 | 0.5 | 189.62 | $3,000 |
Plasma TVs
| Brand/Model
| Screen Size | Resolution | On Mode Power (watts) | Sleep Mode Power (watts) | Estimated Annual Energy Use (kwh/year) | Price |
| Panasonic TC-42PX24 | 42” | 1024 x 768 | 90 | 0.5 | 167.72 | $650 |
| Samsung PN50C8000YF | 50” | 1920 x 1080 | 135 | 0.1 | 247.07 | $2,300 |
| Samsung PN63C8000YF | 63” | 1920 x 1080 | 210 | 0.1 | 383.94 | $3,800 |
Amy Foster Parish is on staff with the Washington State University Extension Energy Program. In her spare time, she enjoys making her husband feel guilty for not buying an Energy Star TV.