TVs and monitors shouldn’t be overlooked.
When it comes to saving money and energy at home, a large, inefficient TV or computer monitor could be one of the biggest electricity users in your home — using even more power than your fridge.
How much can you save?
Using a 50” television with 7 stars on the Energy Rating Label,
compared to one with 2.5 stars.
- $75
per year
- $600
over 8 years
- 63 %
CO2 emissions
Assumes the television is used 10 hours a day and an electricity price of 0.25 $/kWh. Source: EECA, 2024
What's a good energy rating for a TV or computer monitor?
The stars on Energy Rating Labels tell you how energy efficient appliances are.
|
Appliance |
Aim for a star rating of at least... |
|
Televisions |
5.5 stars |
|
Computer monitors |
7 stars |
Assumptions: The annual energy consumption number displayed on the Energy Rating Label assumes that TVs and computer monitors are used for 10 hours a day and on standby for 14, using the manufacturer’s recommended viewing mode.
Understanding the labels
Energy Rating Labels help you compare the efficiency and running costs of similar appliances.
The star rating of an Energy Rating Label won’t tell you how much an appliance will cost to run — just that it will be cheaper than similar sized models with fewer stars.
The trick is to look at this along with the annual energy consumption on the label, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The lower this number, the less it will cost you to run — regardless of machine size.
Why consider efficiency
-
Immediate running cost savings — Your monthly energy bills will drop if you make the switch to a more energy-efficient TV or computer monitor.
-
Long-term cost savings — The long-term cost savings over the life of a TV or monitor often balance out the in-store savings of buying a cheaper, less efficient model.
-
Better electricity grid stability — More efficient screens require less power to operate. Pairing them with other energy-efficient appliances in your home helps lower electricity demand and places less strain on the electricity system at peak times.
-
Lower emissions — Switching to a more energy-efficient monitor or TV cuts your electricity-related emissions and helps New Zealand reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to support long-term environmental benefits.
Choosing a TV or monitor
From resolution and screen size to energy efficiency, there's a lot to think about when finding a new TV or monitor.
- Consider your space — The ideal TV size and resolution will depend on how far from the screen you will sit. Also, keep in mind that screens look smaller in-store than at home.
- Compare energy use — Some TVs use more than 3 times as much electricity as an efficient model of the same size. This means more emissions and up to $600 more in running costs over 8 years.
- Look for more stars — The Energy Rating Label shows which TV or monitor uses less energy and costs less to run.
How much you can save
Using a 27” computer monitor with 7 stars on the label, compared to one with 3 stars.
- $21
per year
- $168
over 8 years
- 59%
CO2 emissions
Assumes the computer monitor is used 10 hours a day and an electricity price of 0.25 $/kWh. Source: EECA, 2024
Find the right TV, monitor and home entertainment equipment
The best TV and computer monitor on the market will look different for individual households.
Screen size and resolution impact efficiency and running costs. Also, consider your space — how far away you sit affects the ideal screen size.
The efficient appliance calculator can help you easily compare TVs and monitors in New Zealand.
In the year ended March 2025, regulation of appliances in New Zealand has saved businesses and consumers 1.48 PJ of energy. That’s equivalent to the yearly energy use of 35,000 homes and adds up to $36 million in national benefit.
Source: EECA, 2025