Did you know that a modern TV uses significantly less energy than a TV that's a decade old? Maybe that shouldn't be a surprise, considering how much more power-efficient today's display panels are. According to Perch Energy , the average power consumption of an old TV runs around $54 per year in energy costs. Because LED-backlit TVs and OLEDs consume less power than traditional LCD screens, newer models cost about $32 annually.

Also: The best home battery and backup systems: Expert tested In large part, the bigger your screen size, the more power your TV requires. But there are ways to attenuate your TV's power consumption every time you turn it on. Here are some settings you can change to save more money on your next electricity bill.

Even if it's just tens of dollars that you're ultimately saving, it's still a little less money coming out of your pocket, and that's the goal. What are EnergyGuide ratings? First, if you're thinking of buying a new TV, start with the most fundamental source of information: the EnergyGuide label and the ENERGY STAR rating. Each TV on a showroom floor will display these labels.

This information from manufacturers provides a reliable metric for comparing efficiency among TV sets. Also: This futuristic power generator kept my home running during an outage. Here's how Ratings range from A to G, with an A rating being the highest and most energy-efficient.

However, it is rare to find a TV with an A rating. For a smart TV, a rating of D or E is consi.