Electricity-Saving Tips for Home Theaters

Man on a couch watching TV

The new high definition TVs are big energy gluttons, even when turned off, so here are a few electricity-saving tips that should also save you money on your next electricity bill.

1. Size Matters

The bigger the screen is, the more electricity the appliance consumes. A study done by CNET showed that 42-inch plasma TVs consumed 20 percent less electricity than their 50-inch counterparts.

2. Choose the Right Technology

LCD and LED TVs consume far less electricity than plasma screens. Typically, a 52-inch LCD TV consumes less electricity than a 42-inch plasma.

3. Check for the Energy Star Label

home theater with theater seating and stage

Look for home theaters and TVs that sport the Energy Star label. This means that they meet the EPA’s standards for energy efficiency. Some related electricity-saving tips deal with lesser-known technologies the manufacturers have developed. For instance, you may check for models with light sensors that decrease the screen’s brightness in dim environments. Manufacturers have also developed TVs that turn themselves off when they sense lack of movement for a specific amount of time.

4. Browse the Specs

When choosing components for your home theater, pay special attention to the specs for each device. These specs can usually be found on the back of the device. The higher the wattage, the more electricity the device will consume.

5. Lower the Brightness Levels

Turning down the brightness of your TV not only saves electricity but also prolongs your set’s lifespan and picture quality. Some other electricity-saving tips include using your TV’s energy savings options. This may reduce picture quality somewhat. Use your TV’s speakers instead of your home theater’s surround sound speakers and amplifier. This technique cuts down your home theater’s electrical consumption.

6. Turn Off Your Home Theater

As we mentioned before, your home theater consumes electricity even when it’s switched off. Using a second surge protector can help you reduce your home theater’s electricity consumption by allowing you to plug the components you want to truly shut off when not in use such as the TV, amplifier and disc player, into one protector. You can plug your DVR into the other protector and keep that one on if you prefer to keep your DVR active for scheduled recordings.

If you follow these easy electricity-saving tips, you should see a difference in your next electricity bill. You’ll also be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint. Making use of electricity-saving tips doesn’t mean you have to reduce your home entertainment theater use. It just means you can make smarter and more informed choices to cut back on your electricity consumption.