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According to ADEME, the average electricity consumption of a television is 163 kWh per year. A figure which can vary greatly depending on the household but which still assumes daily use.
163 kWh per year is around 37 euros for a 6 kVA meter. Not much, some might say, but in times of inflation, there are no small savings. 37 euros is a few months' subscription to a streaming platform, a restaurant, a toy for children at Christmas, etc.
Don't they say that to make big savings you have to add up lots of small ones? Good news, you can already start by doing this on your television thanks to a simple button present on almost all TVs but which no one uses.
The secret button on your TV to save energy
On connected TVs, there has been a sleep timer function for many years. It's this button which will allow you to save energy.
Depending on your TV model, you can configure a precise timer rather than leaving it running in a vacuum. To use this timer, the procedure is essentially the same on all televisions:
- Press the button on the remote control to access the TV's main menu
- Go to Settings
- Select General then System Manager
- Look for the option Time then Sleep
- Set the desired time
Once this setting is made, your TV will automatically turn off after the chosen time.
This tip may seem trivial, but few users use the sleep timer. Some televisions have an automatic standby but it may take several hours before the TV turns off.
This function is particularly effective in the evening, for users who tend to fall asleep easily while watching a film, series or TV show. Even more if you have a TV in your room. In this case, it is not uncommon for the TV to stay on all night and therefore consume energy.
Other tips for saving energy with your TV
The sleep timer isn't the only money-saving tip. Most televisions today have an “energy saving” mode. which reduces power consumption.
Some models also have an ambient light sensor which adjusts the screen brightness according to your environment. Again, this is a good way to save money.
Also consider turning off your TV completely rather than leaving it on standby when you are not using it. And if you go away for a weekend or several days, don't hesitate to unplug it to save a little more.
Finally, note that French legislation requires manufacturers to display an energy consumption score. If you need to change your television, choose class A or B models.