It seems like everyone is binge-watching movies and TV shows these days. Of course, constant use of the TV can push up the household energy bill.
Here are seven ways to conserve energy while watching TV:
Consolidate. If three or four family members are watching different TVs in different rooms, you’re using three times more energy than if the whole gang agreed on a show and watched it together in the same room.
Record. Watching a show recorded via digital video recorder—or even the old-school method of VCR—can save energy in two ways. First, it allows your family to view their favorites any time, so you can choose to watch during off-peak hours—early in the day or late at night when fewer people are using electric appliances all at once. Second, it lets you fast-forward through the commercials, which means you’ll spend less time watching TV and therefore less time with the TV turned on and burning energy.
Dim. The lower the contrast and brightness of your TV screen, the less energy the device uses. Factory settings are usually higher than necessary.
Listen. Lowering the volume by as little as 2% saves some energy, even if you only do it during commercials.
Switch. Instead of watching shows on TV, view them on a laptop, desktop, tablet or phone.
Darken. Turn off other lights in the room where you are watching TV and other rooms in the house to enhance the experience and save electricity.
Upgrade. Consider upgrading your old system to a newer, more energy-efficient setup. An upgrade could mean downsizing, as a smaller TV screen typically uses less electricity.
And the best way to save energy on TV viewing is to not turn on media components at all. With summer in full swing, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
