Energy Star certifications can be found on almost all modern appliances and electronics, including televisions. Today's modern smart TVs and 4K Ultra HD TVs are certified to run for about $100 a year, which is impressive for such modern electronic appliances. Unfortunately, this energy-saving measure sometimes comes at a price if you like your TV's picture to be bright and vibrant.
When you buy a new LCD TV or smart television from an electronics store, its default power setting may very well be the Energy Star setting. While this definitely comes in handy if you're trying to lower your electricity bill, it does have the effect of dimming your TV's picture. This setting can be turned off, but not everyone who buys a new TV will know this. They will see their TV's display model at an electronics store and be wowed by the picture only to find out that what they bring home doesn't look nearly as good.
With all that being said, what can you do if you aren't happy with the Energy Star-compliant setting on your new TV? The easiest answer is to turn the setting off and enjoy watching a brighter screen. It might cost you more on your electricity bill, but it will be up to you to decide if it is worth it. Another thing you can do is check out different models of 4K televisions or smart TVs to find out if the Energy Star setting is tolerable enough for you. Even though modern TVs are more complex than previous models, manufacturers are making a concerted effort to improve their energy efficiency and make their TV's Energy Star ratings worthwhile. On the other hand, it's always best to do your homework when shopping for a new TV, especially if it's going to be turned on more often than not in your home.