A recent report from the Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee highlighted that televisions are becoming a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from Australian households. The report calls for mandatory energy reporting on televisions similar to the rating system for fridges and air conditioners. It also suggests that poorer performing TVs could be eliminated from the market over time.
The rapid increase in power consumption of televisions is being driven by many factors. These include the rapid adoption of LCD and plasma screen technology displacing cathode ray tube screen types. Plus the profileration of remote controls leaving televisions in ‘stand by' mode although manufacturers have made great strides over the last couple of years with both Samsung and Sony for example committing to 1 watt or less in standby power, down from typically 10-20 watts or more in 1993. With prices decreasing, Australian's are moving to larger screen sizes.
With a reported average of 2.4 televisions per household and growing, the Equipment Energy Efficiency Committee report predicts "future television energy use doubling over the decade commencing 2004".
The government report emphasizes that for any particular screen size there is a large variation between high and low energy use units and that this differs by orders of magnitude. Large Plasma screens in particular tend to be higher in energy consumption, then if you are air conditioning your house the total energy use is amplified as your air conditioner works to expel the heat generated by the Plasma screen.
Energy Rating
To assist you in selecting an energy efficient television, we calculate an energy rating based on the normal or maximum power use and standby power usage reported by the manufacturer. Note these specifications are subject to change without notice by the manufacturer.
Cost Per Annum Benchmark
The Energy Rating reports on energy efficiency however the size of the screen you purchase determines the overall energy consumption of your television. Simply, the bigger the television screen then the higher energy consumption. Our article "Bigger is Not Always Better" considers what size screen you should select.
Comparison Net estimates the cost of running this television over the next twelve months. The actual cost will depend on the your usage (viewing and standby times) and the cost of energy that you are paying.
The estimated annual running cost is calculated for each model using standard assumptions of 6 hours viewing per day and 17 cents per kilowatt. For example a 40 inch screen, with a normal power use of 260 watts and a standby power use of 1 watt will cost $98 per annum to run.
More from Comparison Net...
> Compare over 150 Plasma and LCD TV models
Three simple steps to find the TV model you want:
2. Select a shortlist of televisions to compare, side by side.
3. Find reputable stores near you.
> Check out our Digital Television Buyers Guide
A comprehensive buyers guide for Plasma and LCD TVs - there's lots to consider when choosing the dream television to live at heart of your lounge room.
> LCD, Plasma and Digital Terms explained
HDTV, HDCP, HDMI, Plasma, LCD??? Check out our jargon busting glossary for digital television.
Add to del.icio.us
