The living room is where we spend much of our waking time at home. It's also where many electronics congregate—TV, gaming systems, streaming devices, speakers. Making this space energy-efficient improves both comfort and efficiency throughout the home.
Electronics
Television
TVs vary widely in energy use based on technology and size:
- Larger screens use more energy
- Brightness settings significantly affect energy use
- Energy-saving modes reduce use with minimal visual impact
- Turn off (not just standby) when not watching
Gaming Consoles
- Modern consoles use considerable energy during gameplay
- Standby modes still draw power (sometimes significant)
- Turn off completely when not in use
- Adjust power settings for automatic shutdown after inactivity
Streaming Devices and Set-Top Boxes
- Often draw power constantly, even when TV is off
- Consider connecting to a switched power strip
- Some cable boxes use surprising amounts of energy
Sound Systems
- Receivers and amplifiers draw standby power
- Sound bars are generally more efficient than component systems
- Turn off when not in active use
Phantom Loads
Many devices draw power even when "off"—see our phantom loads guide.
Common Living Room Phantoms
- Cable/satellite boxes
- Gaming consoles in standby
- Phone and device chargers
- Smart speakers (always listening)
- Anything with an LED indicator or clock display
Solutions
- Smart power strips that cut power to peripherals when main device turns off
- Manual power strips you switch off when leaving
- Unplugging devices when away for extended periods
Lighting
Ambient Lighting
- LED bulbs are essential—if you haven't switched, do so
- Dimmer-compatible LEDs allow flexible brightness
- Task lighting (reading lamp) uses less energy than lighting the whole room
Natural Light
- Position seating to take advantage of windows during the day
- Light-colored walls reflect more natural light deeper into the room
- Open curtains during daylight hours
Smart Lighting
Smart bulbs and switches can help:
- Schedule lights to turn off automatically
- Motion sensors ensure lights aren't left on
- Control from anywhere (turn off lights you left on)
Heating and Cooling
The living room is often the largest space and the one you want most comfortable.
Heating Season
- Close curtains at night to retain heat
- Open curtains on sunny windows during the day
- Use throws and blankets rather than raising thermostat
- If you have a fireplace, ensure damper is closed when not in use
Cooling Season
- Block direct sun with curtains or blinds
- Use ceiling fans or portable fans to feel cooler
- Run AC only in rooms you're using
- See our summer cooling guide
Windows
Living rooms often have larger windows than other rooms:
- Check for drafts around window frames
- Weatherstripping and window film can help
- Thermal curtains provide insulation
- See our window efficiency guide
The Power Strip Solution
Connecting your entertainment center to a power strip you can switch off eliminates all phantom loads at once. When you're done watching for the night, one switch cuts power to TV, gaming console, streaming device, and sound system. Simple and effective.