Energy, water & efficiency

Read power figures in context

Monitor energy use varies with screen size, brightness, refresh rate, HDR, USB charging, hub activity, and standby settings. Compare the exact model’s manufacturer specifications or ENERGY STAR listing and note the test condition. A monitor that charges a laptop uses more power from its adapter than the panel alone; do not treat that combined load as the screen’s isolated consumption.

Certification indicates compliance with published criteria, not a guarantee of a specific household bill. Save the model code and label data for the display you are comparing.

Use brightness appropriate to the workspace

High brightness can raise energy use and cause eye strain in a dim room. Set the screen for legibility and ambient light rather than leaving a store or HDR mode active for all tasks. If automatic brightness is offered, test it under normal room conditions and decide whether its changes are acceptable. For color-critical work, balance the display’s luminance with the workflow’s calibration requirements rather than reducing it blindly.

Turning off the monitor when away or using its documented sleep behavior can reduce idle use. Check whether a dock or USB hub remains active in standby.

Include USB-C charging and peripherals

When a monitor supplies power to a laptop, the monitor adapter supports both display and charging load. The actual energy draw can vary with laptop battery state and workload. If comparing two monitors, note their USB-C power output and whether you plan to use that function. A model with lower panel use may still draw more in your setup if it charges a laptop or powers several USB devices.

Include external docks, speakers, and lights separately when estimating a workstation’s energy. Do not claim a monitor’s label covers every connected peripheral.

Compare usage with the same assumptions

Use the same hours, brightness, resolution, refresh, and charging setup when comparing models. If the manufacturer reports annual kWh, treat it as a standardized estimate. For a rough bill estimate, multiply kWh by your utility rate, keeping standby and connected-device assumptions clear. If you measure with a rated meter, record the operating mode and devices powered through the monitor.

A short measurement of a blank desktop is not representative of all-day use, particularly for HDR or high-brightness work. Present the result as a scenario, not a guaranteed saving.

Use power-saving options without losing required functions

Review the monitor’s sleep timer, auto-off, and wake behavior. A shorter idle timeout can reduce screen-on hours, but it may interrupt presentations or a workstation that expects the display to stay available. Check whether USB charging or a hub remains active while the panel sleeps. For a display with a presence sensor, test the behavior at your normal desk position and disable it if it blanks during legitimate work.

Avoid measuring only an idle menu

A menu or black screen may draw less power than the usual workload. Measure with representative brightness and content, then record whether HDR, high refresh, and USB charging are enabled. If comparing models, repeat the same task for the same duration and use a suitable meter. Keep room brightness similar because automatic controls can change screen output during the comparison.