How Much Energy Does a Dell 19" LCD Monitor Use?

About 75% of us use LCD monitors, with the remainder using CRT monitors, but just how much energy does one use. We tested the Dell 19" Widescreen LCD SE198WFPf (image above is generic), manufactured in April 2007.

Standby: 1 to 2W

Brightness (75)

White Screen: 25W
Black Screen: 25W
General Screen: 25W

Brightness (100)

White Screen: 34W
Black Screen: 34W
General Screen: 34W

Brightness (00 ... You can still see everything but its very dull)

White Screen: 20W
Black Screen: 20W
General Screen: 20W

Leaving your LCD monitor on for a year would use 219kWh and emit 120kg of CO2 and cost about £28.47 at a brightness of 75

Ways to reduce your energy consumption;

• Switch Off when not in use
• Switch Off at mains on shut down
• Screensavers are pretty but environmentally unsound
• Lower the brightness of your monitor

Compare this to a CRT monitor, which typically use three times the energy of a LCD monitor, or about 75W (measurements vary for different colours).

CRTs may also contain toxic phosphors within the glass envelope. The glass envelopes of modern CRTs may be made from heavily leaded glass, which represent an environmental hazard. Indirectly heated vacuum tubes (including CRTs) use barium compounds and other reactive materials in the construction of the cathode and getter assemblies; normally this material will be converted into oxides upon exposure to the air, but care should be taken to avoid contact with the inside of all broken tubes.

In some jurisdictions, discarded CRTs are regarded as toxic waste. In October 2001, the United States Environmental Protection Agency created rules stating that CRTs must be brought to special recycling places. In November 2002, the EPA began fining companies that disposed of CRTs through landfills or incineration. Regulatory agencies, local and statewide, monitor the disposal of CRTs and other computer equipment.

In Europe, disposal of CRT televisions and monitors (as well as all electrical goods) is covered by the WEEE Directive.

For information on the electricity consumption of other products check out "How Much Electricity Does a ... Use?"

Please Note the energy use figures are taken from an energy monitor and are not scientifically analysed, therefore the range and margin of error is greater. If you would like a specific product tested let us know and we will endeavour to check it out.