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How Long Do LED TVs Last? (How to Make Them Last Longer)

As an owner of a LED TV, I’ve often wondered just how long they last and if there are any tips or tricks I can use to make them last longer. I recently did some research and was surprised by how much information I found. In this blog post, I’m going to share what I learned, as well as some tips and tricks I’ve discovered to help make your LED TV last as long as possible.

You can expect LED TV sets to last around 10 years. This figure can go higher if you’re mindful of aspects like the running hours, brightness, contrast, maintenance cleanups, and proper ventilation.

TipDescription
Turn the TV off when not in useReduce wasted runtime hours and save on electricity bills by turning off your TV when not in use.
Think of the TV placementPlace the TV away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and dust. Mount the TV on a wall or in an entertainment center to avoid dust accumulation.
Shift your contrast and brightness levelsAdjust brightness and contrast settings to suit your room’s lighting instead of using the highest option by default. This reduces the risk of screen burn-ins.
Give your LED proper ventilationEnsure there is enough space (around 4 inches or more) between the wall and your TV to avoid overheating. Consider wall-mounting or using a table setup for better ventilation.
Use a voltage regulatorProtect your TV from damaging voltage fluctuations by using a voltage regulator, especially if you have many plugged-in gadgets simultaneously in use.

How Long Are LED TVs Supposed to Last?

Generally speaking, LEDs last longer than LCDs. An LED TV might come at the industry-standard runtime of around 100,000 hours if you use the highest contrast and brightness levels.

This roughly translates to 4-7 years at the minimum. However, if you choose lower display settings for your TV, it could last even longer than the 10-year mark.

Keep in mind that these are only rough estimates, and you still need to consider other factors like: 

  • The quality of the set and its components
  • How and where you choose to place the TV
  • Your typical usage patterns
  • The reliability of the brand and their maintenance services

How Can You Make LED TVs Last Longer?

You can’t expect an LED TV to be invincible, but there are still some tips and tricks that can help prolong its lifespan.

  1. Turn the TV off When You’re Not Using It

The easiest thing you can do to help your TV’s lifespan is to shut it down when you’re not using it.

Some people still turn their TVs on in the background while doing chores. While doing so can be entertaining, it’s not ideal for LED screens.

So, try to reduce the wasted runtime hours. On the plus side, you’ll be saving on your electric bills, too!

  1. Think of the TV Placement

Where you set up your new LED TV will contribute to how long it’ll last.

For one, try your best to remove it from direct sunlight. Some natural light in the living room won’t be an issue, but it could be safer to avoid intense and direct sunlight for extended periods.

Plus, the TV shouldn’t be close to a source of heat or dust. Any form of dust can cause the LED TV to overheat and die faster.

The ideal place to put your TV is to mount it on a wall or in an entertainment center to avoid dust accumulation.

  1. Shift Your Contrast Brightness Levels

Higher brightness and contrast settings make for a better experience, especially when there’s a lot of light in the room. 

However, the problem is that they could increase the risk of screen burn-ins in the long run.

Sure, LED screens don’t burn in as easily as the older plasma sets, but it’s still better to be safe than sorry. After all, a burn-in is irreversible, and you won’t be able to remove it once it marks your screen.

So, do your TV a solid by adjusting the brightness to your room’s lighting instead of using the highest option by default.

Much like with the brightness settings, you can choose the middle ground in the contrast levels. It’s such a simple thing, but it could reduce the strain on your LEDs, ultimately lengthening your TV’s life.

  1. Give Your LED Proper Ventilation

Overheating can be a problem for LED TVs. After all, it could be one of the main reasons why your TVs won’t last as long as the manufacturers intended.

You can avoid this accumulation of heat, particularly at the back, by giving it enough space to breathe.

Ideally, you’ll want to aim for around 4 inches or more between the wall and your TV.

Since LEDs are usually thin, mounting them on your wall shouldn’t be challenging, and it’ll boost the viewing experience and ventilation. Just check that both the wall and mounting gear are strong enough for your LED TV.

Meanwhile, a table setup can allow for even more ventilation space. It also helps when you want to move the TV around often.

  1. Use a Voltage Regulator

A voltage regulator can protect your TV from damaging fluctuations that other appliances can handle better.

Keep in mind that these changes in voltage might happen if you use a lot of plugged-in gadgets all at once. So, it could be better to have a voltage regulator on your LED TV.

Pros of Owning an LED TV:

  • LED TVs last around 10 years, if taken care of properly.
  • LED TVs are very energy efficient.
  • LED TVs have the best picture quality.
  • LED TVs are very thin and can be mounted on walls.

Cons of Owning an LED TV:

  • LED TVs are more expensive than other types of TVs.
  • LED TVs can be prone to screen burn-in if the contrast and brightness settings are too high.
  • LED TVs require proper ventilation to ensure that they don’t overheat.
  • LED TVs require regular maintenance and cleaning.

In Summary

So, how long do LED TVs last?

Well, they might survive for 4-13 years. It all depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the set itself.

Yet, how well you care for your TV can make all the difference. So, try cleaning the TV regularly, providing proper ventilation, and reducing unnecessary runtime. Finally, don’t overdo the contrast or brightness settings to avoid irreversible burn-ins.