In general, modern LCD televisions use much less energy in regular use than the old-style cathode ray tube (CRT) models of an equivalent size. However, not all new TVs are LCDs: if you buy a plasma screen, you're likely to be using more power.

A typical 42in plasma TV could use up to £6 of electricity per year, whereas it costs £6.50 for a small 14in CRT screen.

Under some circumstances even if you're getting a new television which uses more electricity than your old one, there may still be a potential saving. Almost all new televisions come with a built-in digital receiver, which means that you may be replacing an old TV and digital box with a single new TV - and this may well give you an overall saving even if the energy rating of the television is higher than your current one.

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