Does Anybody Else Factor in Power Usage Costs When Buying a New TV?

Was just wondering since the extra amount on the electricity bill seems to be a huge oversight on calculating whether or not something is worth the cost or not especially since some people might be having their TV's for more than five years if not ten at the most.

Went in store Big W just to check up on a range of TV's in person from around 32" to 65" 4k and 1080p models and noticed a big spike from 50" plus models. Was like average 150kWh per year to I saw 700kWh which is a noticeable chunk on the electricity bill especially if you use your TV a lot.

Was just wondering since maybe not many might know much about extra electricity costs but I'm sure most here on Ozbargain and whirlpool for example would but maybe not just talk about it much.

Maybe we can start including approximate power usage and estimated costs for new TV deals and when discussing for example budget options?

I know it would make a huge differentiation for me especially since the actual price of the TV can sometimes be only a 1/4 of the actual total running TV cost if say with average use over a few years.

Just food for thought, what do you guys think or have to say on the matter?

Comments

  • +6

    Yes, power usage is a factor when comparing like for like. Your comparison in dollar terms is roughly $40 vs $175 in electricity per year.

    On a separate note, when watching The Block and looking at their room reveals, I always freak out at the power costs of their rooms - so many unnecessary lights! Energy consumption should be a judging factor somehow.

    • Amen. We need a The Block frugal or Ozbargain edition. So many unnecessary stuff in there but I guess it is meant to be an uplifting positive show like watching getaway haha lol. Can't imagine getaway hosting a show that tells you all you need is a large fish and chips and your local beach to cheaply "getaway".

  • The same size sets are not going to vary that much. If you are driven for choice purely by electricity usage then go to the extreme and watch TV on your phone!

    • +1

      I already do. Mainly just like looking at statistics like with phones and computer hardware and stuff. Helps for me to make a decision.

      Also really want to try out a new console or maybe share one for the house or with a friend so finding out which tv is the best for us price wise and electricity wise is best.

      There is a reason I switched from a desktop to a laptop and then from a laptop to a tablet.. the power usage but sometimes it is nicer to just sit back and watch something more mindless on a big tv like sports or sitcoms.

      Also thinking about buying one for my dad and grandparents and maybe one for myself when I can not now all at once obviously but over time so I do my research first.

      Went the same route for this tablet checked all the specs and prices and everything to make sure I got myself the best deal and not just a one of sale impulse buy as I have made some terrible impulse buys in history mostly smaller items but still bad buys.

      Just looking out for the best and in this case most efficient but if of course it has features worth burning electricity for then I am also all up for it.

      Pros and cons my friend pros and cons.

    • -1

      The same size sets are not going to vary that much.

      That's what happens in your imagination. In the real world there is large variation.

  • I don't watch TV. You should get into the habit of that.

    Sit at your monitor.

  • +3

    The area of a 65 inch screen is more than 4x that of a 32 inch screen. The clock speeds of processors in larger and often correspondingly more sophisticated sets, also higher, with current draw also peaked because of that, just as in general-computey land.

    I'm just guessing that testing of TV's for average electricity usage doesn't see sets taken out of "demo mode" after being turned on. No one in their right mind leaves a TV or computer monitor in that state, unless they wish to go blind.

    I've just had a look at one of the Korean spy teles in the house. Settings that most correspond to current draw, average to a bit less than 60% of max.

    As other example, the computer monitor I'm looking at is rated at just over 40 Watts. I can fairly distinctly remember a review on the monitor recording a figure of less than 30W for 'ideal' settings and <25W for eco mode. So, somewhat less electricity being used than one might otherwise imagine.

    Keep that in mind, AlienC.
    Also keep in mind that the easiest way to lower electricity consumed, is to go outside and do something that's at least vaguely useful.

    Sadly, for those of us in QLD that didn't really include voting today as any potential Parliamentary outcome will be just a bloody shemozzle.

    Some bonus, unexpected, political commentary for you there.. :)

    All the same, AlienC, it is best to stay enthusiastic about life, even when it's a little bit overwhelming, and maybe a bit confusing..

    Woof.

    You are an endearing OzBargainer, AlienC. It's not always easy, but don't stress too much.

    :-)

  • nope, isnt even a factor

    • this ^^^

      unless you're the type to leave the TV on for say 6-8hrs a day as background noise

      if you watch a movie a day and news and some console then its irrelevant

      • Agreed. Google suggests that a new LCD/LED produces 91.5 watts of power. That's like 2-3 light bulbs.

        Just went through this: http://www.energyrating.gov.au/calculator

        Chose samsung 80cm tvs. 1hr a day, the difference between the least efficient and most efficient LED tv of that size/brand is $14. Spread over 3650 hours.

        • Would it be safe to say a 65" would have 4 x the costs over a 32" or more?

        • @AlienC: Why not look it up on the site? I'd guess that there would be a constant of 50 watts, and then a linear relationship based on screen size from there.

        • @Davo1111: trying to but finding model numbers is getting a bit hard.

          So far I am seeing only a double in power not quadruple but cannot confirm

        • @AlienC: Choice TV tests quote yearly energy consumption figures ranging about 90 to 150kWh for the few 32" sets reviewed; 350 to 650kWh for the 65" sets.

          Nearly forty sets between 55" and 65" reviewed. Plenty of detail in the tables.
          Don't take everything there as gospel, but you really will want to pour over all of that detail - and I presume from the privacy of your ship/spacebase.. :)
          TV's

          Let us know which/what you have decided to buy, in ruff-ly a month…

          Barring any alien holographic projector OzBargain deals, in meantime - or newbie bargainer Indy offering to perform all TV drama for you, Live!

          Hmmm…
          Either/both of those things could happen and should probably be factored-in..

          :-)

        • Google suggests that a new LCD/LED produces 91.5 watts of power.

          I must have missed the part where TVs started generating power?

          Tell me where to buy these incredible new inventions!

        • @AlienC: (Almost all sets around the middle of power-usage range extremes. Differences still probably enough to interest you, though. Televisions of whatever size, not among the bigger contributors to most power bills and to other consequence.)

        • @Dne: lol this was great to read Dne haha five extra sapurolsons flarbnarks for you in our next friendly neighbourhood abduction / probing.

  • +1

    Yes but in my opinion the extra cost of whatever I'm considering buying can sometimes outweigh the savings made over the expected lifespan of that thing. I'm not spending $100 extra to save $10 per year in electricity costs when it's expected to only last about 5 years. However if I were to save $30 per year then spending an extra $100 would be worthwhile.

    I use 30 cents per kWh as my electricity comparison price.

    • +2

      Of course. Essentially the total cost of the item should be purchase price plus running costs and maintain = true cost of the item in which this case is generally just initial purchase price and electricity costs which 30c per kWh is a good number.

  • No

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