How much does it cost to run a TV?

The answer starts from the official energy figure on the energy rating label. This page uses the median of every TV registered for sale in New Zealand in our dataset, then scales it to your usage and your electricity price. Change the assumptions to match your home.

Short answer. The median TV registered for sale in New Zealand has 389 kWh a year on its label. At 10 hours a day and 33c/kWh, that is about $128 a year. Half of the models on the market fall between $85 and $183 at the same usage.

Where to find the numbers

The annual kWh and, for many models, the on-mode power in watts are in the registration. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The label figure assumes 10 hours on and 14 hours standby a day at the label brightness. Higher brightness, HDR and game modes use more per hour.

What changes the cost

• Brightness and picture mode: the label figure is at a set brightness; vivid or shop modes and HDR content use more.
• Screen size and technology: bigger screens draw more; OLED and mini-LED vary with what is on screen.
• Hours on is the lever: the label assumes a set number of hours; a TV left on as background can double the figure.
• Standby and quick-start: quick-start or always-listening modes keep the set drawing power when it looks off.
• Connected devices: soundbars, consoles and set-top boxes add their own consumption on top.

Compare TVs by energy use and running cost to see every model behind this figure.

Not sure what size you need? Use the TV size calculator first.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.