Households across the UK are being warned that watching television will become more expensive from July, as energy regulator Ofgem raises gas and electricity prices by 13 percent. The average cost of running a TV for the typical viewing time of 4 hours and 30 minutes per day will amount to £42.89 per year, according to analysis by Uswitch.
How Much Does It Cost to Watch TV?
Based on an average power consumption of 100 watts, the daily cost of watching television is approximately 12 pence. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the size and type of television, as well as additional equipment such as set-top boxes, soundbars, or games consoles. The cost does not include the TV Licence fee, which rose to £15 per month from April.
Ofcom data shows that the average UK adult watches 4 hours and 31 minutes of television daily, but this varies by age: those over 65 watch around 6 hours, while young adults watch just 53 minutes.
Factors Affecting TV Energy Use
Uswitch highlights several factors that determine how much electricity a TV consumes:
- Type: LED, OLED, and QLED TVs have different power consumption levels. QLED models tend to use more power than OLED.
- Age: Newer televisions are generally more energy-efficient than older ones.
- Size: Larger screens consume more electricity. A 32-inch LCD uses about half the power of a 42-inch plasma.
- Settings: Brightness and other picture settings can affect energy use.
- Usage: The more you watch, the higher the cost.
Most TVs are rated for energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with many newer models falling into E-G, which is considered poor for household appliances. Consumers are advised to consider screen size and type when purchasing a new TV to minimise running costs.
