Modern TVs are designed for long hours of use, but running one almost nonstop still has consequences. Continuous operation can shorten the lifespan of internal components, increase the risk of image issues on some displays, and drive up energy bills—especially when other devices are connected.
Inside every TV are circuit boards, power supplies, processors, and other electronics that generate heat during use. When a TV is left on for extended periods day after day, these parts run hotter for longer, which can accelerate wear and eventually lead to failures that require repair or replacement.
The screen itself is also affected by heavy use. LCD and OLED panels are rated for a certain number of hours, and running a TV around the clock quickly uses up that lifespan. OLED models in particular can experience burn-in, where static elements such as logos or interface graphics remain faintly visible even when content changes.
Manufacturers include features like pixel shifting and screen refresh routines to reduce the risk of burn-in, but long-duration tests still show that OLED panels can be vulnerable if the same images are displayed for many hours without variation. Regularly changing content and avoiding static screens can help, but leaving an OLED TV on continuously still increases the risk.
Energy consumption is another major factor. Depending on the size and type of set, a TV typically draws somewhere between 50 and 200 watts. Used for about three hours per day, that can translate to roughly 55 to 219 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.
At electricity rates above 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, that adds up to around $11 to $40 annually for moderate use. Stretching daily use to eight or 10 hours—or leaving the TV on in the background all day—can push those costs significantly higher.
The impact is even greater when you factor in connected devices. Many households link their TVs to streaming boxes, game consoles, and sound systems, often configured via ARC or eARC so everything powers on together. If the TV stays on, these devices may also remain active, drawing additional power and further increasing total energy use.
To reduce wear and costs, it helps to turn the TV off when you are not actively watching, enable power-saving or eco modes, and make sure connected devices are set to sleep or shut down when idle. These simple steps can extend the life of your equipment and keep your electricity consumption in check.