The Energy Consumption of Plasma TVs

Although plasma televisions offer many benefits over cathode ray tube screens and liquid crystal display screens, such as a clearer picture with better contrast, plasma TVs tend to use more energy.

Factors

A television's energy consumption depends on its size, type and brightness, according to CNet Reviews. Larger televisions use more energy, and plasma TVs usually use more energy than LCD TVs. Finally, the brightness of the screen also affects energy use. Lowering your screen brightness can reduce energy consumption by half, according to CNet Reviews.

Considerations

Purchasing an Energy Star labeled plasma TV can help you save energy. Energy Star version 4.1 promises TV consumers an energy savings of 40 percent in comparison to previous models. Version 5.1, effective in May 2012, promises a 65 percent energy savings in comparison to the average models from 2010.

Significance

Plasma TVs use more energy, but they are unlikely to significantly change your energy costs. For example, as of 2010, it costs about $64 a year to watch a 50-inch plasma TV for five hours a day, according to CNet Reviews. A 52- to 55-inch LCD screen costs about $29 each year as of 2010.

References

• CNet Reviews: The Basics of TV Power
• Crutchfield: TV Power Consumption

Resources

• CNet Reviews: HDTV Power Consumption Compared