Energy saving mode on your TV: what it is and how to use it

In a context where energy efficiency has become a priority in homes, television consumption is an increasingly relevant factor. Although, when talking about energy savings , the focus is on appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators, modern TVs, despite being more efficient, still represent a significant portion of electricity expenditure.

Aware of this reality, manufacturers have developed and integrated various features to help users reduce their televisions' power consumption . These technologies, often accessible through settings menus, allow key parameters such as brightness and contrast to be automatically or manually adjusted to optimize energy use.

Leading brands such as LG, Sony, Panasonic, and Philips offer various modes and settings. LG models have a "Power Saving Mode," which reduces screen brightness. To activate it, go to Settings/Picture Options. Sony models have a similar function in the "Eco" menu. Panasonic models, meanwhile, have brightness and other settings within their "Power Options."

Some Philips devices incorporate a "Mute Screen" feature, which turns off the screen while keeping the sound active—ideal for when you want to listen to music or a podcast. Thus, technological innovation has led companies to incorporate artificial intelligence into their devices for more dynamic management.

Samsung, for example, has implemented AI Energy Mode, a feature the company claims can reduce consumption by up to 30% under specific conditions. This mode analyzes the environment and content to automatically adjust brightness and other parameters, optimizing energy efficiency without manual intervention.

Beyond the built-in features, there are everyday practices that can complement the use of these energy-saving modes. One of the most effective is manually adjusting the screen's brightness and contrast. Reducing these settings can reduce consumption without having to rely on preset modes.

Another important recommendation is to use a sleep timer to prevent the TV from remaining on unnecessarily. This is particularly useful if you tend to fall asleep watching TV. It's also crucial to consider "vampire consumption": unplugging TVs and other equipment or using a plug with a switch to avoid passive consumption.

Finally, upgrading older equipment to newer models can also be a long-term strategy for improving efficiency. Newer televisions typically feature more advanced technologies and, therefore, lower energy consumption.

• Using smart plugs: These allow you to measure your electricity usage in real time and schedule your TV to turn on and off from a mobile app.
• Integration with automation systems: Several home automation devices offer the ability to control TV use through preset routines, which optimizes energy consumption.
• Take advantage of time-of-day rates: In some regions, electricity rates vary throughout the day. Scheduling usage during lower-cost time slots can help reduce the financial impact on your monthly bill.