When it comes to what’s on the air, America is tuning in–the average home has more televisions than people and each member is watching more than four hours a day–and we’re seeing it all bigger and brighter thanks to advances like flat-screens and HD. While all this viewing is a boost for the people of prime time, it’s hardly the best thing for the environment. Where we once bought 19-inch sets, we’ve upgraded to 40-something inch screens (and bigger). Not only do these TVs use more resources in their creation, they eat through electricity at a much higher level than older varieties, especially in homes that are “average” by Nielsen Rating Standards and have a television on for more than eight hours a day. One 47-inch television can go through almost 400 kWh in a year if on for four hours a day and that’s excluding other elements like DVD players or cable boxes.

But as of November 1, buyers can opt for televisions that meet the EPA’s new, more comprehensive energy-efficiency specification. These televisions will be up to 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models and adhere to a higher standard than even the previous energy-efficiency system. What kind of change could made by consumers choosing these eco-friendly models? If everyone who bought a television this year selected an EPA Energy Star model we could save about $1 billion in energy costs annually and the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to that of about 1 million cars.

One important new addition to the energy rating system is a requirement that a television be energy efficient not only when it is turned on but also when turned off or in standby mode, a time when energy is often being consumed without the knowledge of owners.

To make sure you purchase a set that’s earned the new energy-efficiency rating read up on the list of approved models on the Energy Star site and always check for the Energy Star label.

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