Read This Before You Replace Your TV

By the end of this year, if estimates prove correct, 36% of Americans will have bought a new high-definition television.

The first thing consumers should consider before making this choice is the cost. Don't just consider the cost on the tag, but the cost per month. By some estimates, a 40-inch plasma screen TV can suck up as much electricity as a refrigerator. Come November, the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy will have rolled out new Energy Star guidelines that should help illustrate the ongoing cost of television, and give consumers some information to better compare brands and models before choosing.

The second thing to consider is what to do with the old television set. The magic that makes the picture requires certain toxic heavy metals, so the television set should not be tossed out with the rest of the trash. Many municipal waste transfer stations have programs that allow people to dispose of hazardous household waste and electronics at certain times of the year. If you aren't familiar with your town's program, make the call before you buy your new television so you know what to do with the old set. Better yet, check around first and see if there's a church program, homeless shelter or other service that might need a television (assuming your old set is still in good working order).

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