Key takeaways
- ENERGY STAR certified TVs are on average about 34% more efficient than conventional models.
- The yellow EnergyGuide label shows a TV's estimated yearly energy cost and the range for similar sizes.
- Certified TVs must use 0.5 W or less in sleep mode.
What ENERGY STAR certification covers
~34%
Average efficiency gain of certified TVs vs. conventional models[1]
≤ 0.5 W
Maximum sleep-mode power for certified TVs[1]
Up to 70%
Efficiency gain for certified sound bars[1]
Certification looks at every operating mode. On-mode power limits scale with screen area, so a bigger certified TV is allowed to use more power, but less than a comparable conventional set.[1]
The yellow EnergyGuide label
TVs are among the products that carry the FTC's yellow EnergyGuide label. It shows the model's estimated yearly energy cost in dollars, and where that falls in the range for comparable models.[2,3]
The FTC updated the comparison ranges in 2024 and now uses an electricity rate of 16 cents per kilowatt-hour. As examples, 24- to 29-inch TVs range from about $5 to $15 a year, and screens 69.5 inches and larger range from about $32 to $155 a year.[3]
What to look for when you shop
TV energy check
- ENERGY STAR certified
- EnergyGuide yearly cost compared across your shortlist
- Sound bar also ENERGY STAR certified
- Brightness set for your room, not the showroom
Sources
Every figure in this guide comes from the official sources below. We summarize them in our own words; check the source for the full guidance.
- 1TelevisionsENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA)
- 2How To Use the EnergyGuide Label To Shop for Home AppliancesFederal Trade Commission
- 3New energy cost comparisons for TVs: What's going on behind the screens?Federal Trade Commission
This guide is general consumer information, not medical, legal or professional advice. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your product. See our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.
