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Many people enjoy watching tv outside when the weather is nice, whether on your patio, deck or backyard. However, as temperatures drop, it’s important to know that not all TVs are suitable for outdoor use, especially during the winter. This brings us to the question Chad from Brentwood, Tennessee asks:
“Hi Kurt, I’ve been using an outdoor TV (an indoor TV that’s outside) for many years. Every winter, I take it down and move it inside. It’s 75 inches and gets a little cumbersome as I get older. I’m thinking this year I would leave it outside during the winter. It is covered by a second story that keeps water and snow out, but I was wondering if I should try to keep it warm on really cold days. I live in TNand we hit freezing temperatures a couple of days a year.” — Chad, Brentwood, Tennessee
Thanks for your question, Chad. The short answer to his question is: No, you should not leave your indoor TV outside during the winter, even if it is covered by a second story.
Indoor televisions are not designed to withstand the outdoor environment, especially cold weather. The cold can cause several problems for your television.
A television on an outdoor terrace (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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The risks of leaving an indoor television outside
The LCD or LED screen on your TV is made of liquid crystals that can freeze and expand when exposed to low temperatures. This can cause the screen to crack or break, rendering the TV unusable.
The cold can also affect the internal components of your television, such as the circuit board, the power supply and the speakers. Cold can cause metal parts to shrink and plastic parts to become brittle, causing cracks, breaks, or malfunctions. The cold can also reduce the battery life and performance of your TV.
Most indoor TVs come with a warranty that covers defects and malfunctions. However, the warranty does not usually cover damage caused by improper use or environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures. If you leave your indoor TV outside during the winter, you may void your warranty and lose the opportunity to get a replacement or repair.
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A child watches television outdoors. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How to keep your current TV outside
If you decide to keep your current TV outside like Chad, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risks and extend its life. Here are three top tips on how to keep your TV outside during the winter.
1. Keep it covered
The most important thing you can do to protect your TV from the cold is to keep it covered with a weather-resistant casing. You can buy a ready made cover online or make your own using materials like vinyl, canvas, or plastic. The cabinet should fit snugly around your TV and have openings for cables and ventilation. The case should also be easy to remove and reattach when you want to use your TV.
2. Keep it dry
The next thing you can do to protect your TV from the cold is Keep it dry and avoid moisture. to enter. You can use a dehumidifier or silica gel packs to reduce moisture and absorb it inside the enclosure. You can also use waterproof tape or caulking to seal any gaps or cracks in the case or TV. You should also avoid turning on your TV when it is very cold or wet, as this can cause condensation or short circuits.
3. Keep it warm
Another thing you can do to protect your TV from the cold is to keep it insulated by using insulating material like foam, bubble wrap, or blankets to wrap it around, but make sure it doesn’t block ventilation or airflow.
A television installed on an outdoor terrace (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Avoid these extreme temperatures with your television
The optimal temperature range for most outdoor televisions is 40°F to 100°F (4°C to 37°C), with a relative humidity of 80% or less. This is what most TV manufacturers suggest.
Televisions are more sensitive to extreme temperatures. Samsung warns that televisions should not be exposed to lower temperatures -20°C (-4°F) or higher 45°C (113°F).
Flat TVs have a liquid crystal liquid that can freeze in very cold conditions. To avoid this, you should keep your TV between 40°F and 100°F. Televisions should not be left outside when the temperature is below 20°F.
The benefits of investing in an outdoor television
If you want to enjoy watching TV outdoors during the winter, your best option is to invest in an outdoor TV specifically designed to withstand harsh temperatures and weather conditions. Outdoor televisions have several advantages over indoor ones, such as:
Weather-resistant enclosures: Outdoor TVs are built with weather-resistant enclosures that protect internal components from moisture, dust, insects, and temperature fluctuations. The cases are also UV resistant and anti-glare, meaning they can prevent sun damage and reduce reflections on the screen.
Ventilation system: Outdoor televisions have ventilation systems that regulate the temperature and air flow within the enclosures. Ventilation systems can keep your TV cool during the summer and warm during the winter, preventing overheating or freezing. Ventilation systems can also prevent condensation and fogging on the screen.
Improved image and sound quality: Outdoor TVs have improved picture and sound quality that can adapt to the outdoor environment. The image quality is brighter and sharper, meaning you can see details and colors better even in direct sunlight. The sound quality is louder and clearer, meaning you can hear the audio better even in noisy environments.
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How to protect your outdoor TV from theft or vandalism
One last thing to consider. If you have an outdoor TV, you may be wondering how to keep it safe from theft or vandalism. One way is to use a weatherproof TV cover or casing that makes it difficult to remove. Another way is to install a security camera or an alarm near your television to deter or detect intruders. You can also place your TV in a visible and safe location, such as under an awning or on a wall mount, to prevent easy access or damage.
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Again, we do not recommend leaving your indoor TV outside during the winter, as this may damage it and void your warranty. We suggest investing in an outdoor TV that is specially designed for outdoor use as this can give you a better viewing experience and a longer lifespan. If you choose to keep your current TV outside, we recommend following our tips on how to keep it covered, warm and dry.
What are some of the benefits and challenges of having an outdoor TV in your area? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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