Five Ways To Ensure An Outdoor TV Last A Long Time

An outdoor TV is a great way to transform a protected patio or other outdoor room into an al fresco space the whole family can enjoy. There are few things better than grilling outside or sitting by the pool while watching a big game or your favorite show. The tricky thing about having a TV outside is they often break or malfunction much faster than one kept indoors.

To help your outdoor TV last as long as possible, buy a quality television that can withstand wear and tear. Ensure you install it properly and in a spot where it is least likely to be exposed to moisture and dirt. Purchase or make a cover for your TV, so it is protected when not in use, and bring it indoors during months of extreme heat, cold, or rain.

There’s a reason that not everyone has a TV outside. Expensive electronics and outdoor weather don’t mix very well. This, combined with the fact that these devices cost hundreds, and even thousands of dollars, can be reason enough to give up on the idea of this outdoor home entertainment concept altogether. The good news is, following a few simple guidelines and tips listed below you can help keep a television working great outdoors for years to come.

Seven Factors That Impact How Long An Outdoor TV Will Last

1. Where You Install It

One of the most important ways you can influence how long an outdoor TV can last, is the exact location you choose for it. Not all areas within outdoor spaces are equally protected from weather and potential destruction.

The closer your TV is to open windows, direct sunlight, and wind, the more likely it will be exposed to dangerous elements that can shorten its lifespan. This is why TV placement is a decision that deserves plenty of thought.

2. How You Install It

When choosing the ideal place for your TV, you must also put time into properly installing your outdoor television. It should come as no surprise that it’s hazardous to rush the installation of outdoor electronics, and a television is no exception.

If an outdoor TV is plugged in and propped up, don’t expect it to last as long as a properly mounted TV with hidden electrical wires.

3. Whether Or Not You Cover It

Many outdoor televisions are equipped with covers. These covers act as shields against many weather elements including precipitation, dirt, and dust. While many people own some sort of television cover, this doesn't mean everyone uses them.

If your TV is constantly exposed to elements, it is less likely to last as long as one that is regularly protected.

4. Your Climate

While protecting your TV and other outdoor electronics from rain and other extreme weather is important, it’s also crucial to remember that not all climates are the same. 

Some climates are dry and mild, while others are wet and extreme. Naturally, dry mild climates are better for outdoor electronics than a damp climate. Ensure you research the humidity and perception days where you live before mounting an outdoor television.

5. The Type Of TV You Buy

Whether you put a TV in your home or outside, the quality of the TV’s brand and model will likely impact how long it will last. Some televisions are affordable but not durable. Others are expensive but long-lasting. 

There are even TVs built specifically for outdoor rooms, and others that are built to withstand more wear and tear than the average TV.

6. Indoor Storage Versus Outdoor Storage

Just as it’s smart to store outdoor items inside during the winter or other harsh weather, it’s also wise for electronics. Where a TV lives when it is not in use for long periods is likely to impact how long it will last.

7. How Well It’s Maintained

Lastly, the lifespan of any electronic device depends on how well it is maintained. The same goes for outdoor televisions. If you regularly dust and clean the TV, and ensure it is free of debris, and dried when it is damp, you can expect a longer life than if it is neglected and only cleaned when it is filthy. Maintenance and upkeep can significantly alter the life expectancy of an outdoor TV.

Five Ways To Help Your Outdoor TV Lasts As Long As Possible

1. Take The Time To Install It Properly

One of the best ways to help give your outdoor TV a long lifespan is to take the time to install it properly. You don’t need to be a professional to mount an outdoor TV and properly secure electrical wires, but it does take time and planning.

An outdoor TV should be firmly mounted to a wall, or set on a protected outdoor entertainment center. The more secure the TV, the less likely accidents will occur.

2. Choose The Location Wisely

Arguably the easiest and most effective way to help your outdoor TV last longer is to choose a safe location to mount it. While it’s great to think of convenient places to watch TV outside, especially areas with no glare, it’s also important to consider where the weather comes in.

Mount your outdoor TV as far from screen windows or exposed walls as possible. Ideally, you should mount a TV on a wall that is at least 10 feet from any space where rain can come in. This helps ensure that even in gusty winds and strong storms, your TV will stay dry. 

3. Use A Weatherproof Cover When You Aren’t Using It

It’s one thing to buy or make a waterproof cover for your TV, but it’s essential that you diligently use it to guarantee its effectiveness. It can get annoying constantly putting a cover on and taking it off, but you’ll be happy you did in the long run.  

Whether you build your own cover or latch system or buy a plastic TV cover from a retailer, try your best to cover your TV whenever you aren’t using it. You’ll be shocked at how many more years you can get out of a TV that is properly covered when it’s not in use.

4. Bring It Inside During Times Of Extreme Weather

Covering your TV is helpful when you use it frequently, but if you aren’t using your outdoor space, consider bringing the device inside. Storing your outdoor TV during winter months, times of extreme heat and cold, and rainy seasons all help prolong its lifespan.

Having this expensive electronic device neatly covered and stored in your home rather than outside in wet extreme conditions is an easy and effective way to add years of life to your outdoor TV.

5. Buy A Quality TV That Can Withstand Outdoor Climates

Lastly, if you want your outdoor TV to last many years, then it’s a good idea to buy a high-quality TV. There are TVs specifically designed for outdoor spaces. Try to find televisions that are built tough and are guaranteed to last for years. 

Instead of buying a cheap TV that fizzles out after a year or two, you may want to run the numbers and see if it’s worth buying a better, more expensive TV and taking great care of it. 

Wrapping Up How To Ensure Your Outdoor TV Lasts A Long Time

An outdoor TV might be just the thing your patio or outdoor space needs to take it to the next level. While outdoor TVs don’t usually last as long as ones stored in the home due to natural elements, there are ways to help yours last longer than normal. 

Take the time to pick the smartest location for your outdoor TV, and then install it with care. Cover it when it is not in use, and bring it inside during long stretches of bad weather. Take the time to wipe and clean it regularly to keep it looking and working great for years.

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