As an owner of multiple computer monitors, I have often been faced with the question: Is it bad to leave a monitor on? Frustrated with the lack of a definitive answer, I decided to do some research and testing to get to the bottom of it. Today, I’m here to share with you the results of my investigation and some possible solutions for those of you who may be facing the same dilemma.
For the most part, keeping the monitor on is beneficial. It allows you to improve performance and control the screen temperature. Besides that, you’ll cut down on boot-up time and be able to receive certain notifications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Aids in improving performance | Consumes a small amount of power as long as it’s running |
| Gives the computer an opportunity to scan for viruses or other malware | Some components may be loud and create white noise |
| Helps regulate the internal temperature of your device | Any electrical surges may affect the lifespan of the monitor |
| Decreases boot-up time to make using your computer more efficient | |
| Allows your computer to alert you when there’s a serious issue |
Table of Contents
Why Should You Turn off Your Monitor?
After a long day of using your laptop or computer, there’s usually one concern on your mind: Should you turn off the screen before you hit the hay?
In order to answer this question, we have to consider a few factors.
- Performance
First off, you have to look at how leaving the monitor on changes the overall performance.
When you shut down the screen, the power supply to all the internal components is off. This gives them an opportunity to rest up and reset.
While this can help increase the longevity of your monitor, it’s not always the best way to go.
With the device still on, many processes can run in the background. That includes scans for viruses and installing updates.
Therefore, the computer will be able to remove malicious software and streamline applications. This activity allows the monitor to improve performance.
- Temperature Control
We all know the struggle of an overheating computer. The lights and power running through the components will cause a temperature spike.
This has the potential to damage some of the internal elements of the device. For that reason, we install fans and vents to maintain cool airflow.
These features will depend on electricity to power up. So, when you turn off your monitor, they automatically shut down.
That means you won’t be able to regulate the heat inside the screen. Instead, the monitor will match your room temperature.
This can be a major issue if you live in a particularly warm area. The internal components of the screen may shift around or degrade because of the heat.
Keeping your monitor on will ensure that doesn’t happen.
- Energy Consumption
When you leave your screen on, there are several components that’ll use electricity. This includes the fans and other elements, like microprocessors.
That means that as long as your monitor is on, the device will consume some power. After a while, this can run up your electric bill.
Although, it’s important to note that this impact is minimal. It can take many months of leaving the monitor on before you notice any change in the bill.
- Boot Up Time
Another factor you should consider is the boot-up time. One of the worst aspects of using a computer is waiting for it to power on.
Sometimes it can take quite a while, and it feels like you’re watching paint dry. This is especially true for older devices.
A quick fix for this problem is to leave your monitor on. That way, you don’t need to stare at a blank screen while the system boots up.
- Notifications
Your computer is constantly keeping in touch with you to streamline performance. This comes in the form of pop-up messages that redirect you to settings, like updates.
While your screen is off, your device won’t be able to communicate with you. The computer will have to push back the notifications until the next boot-up.
That means it’s possible to miss important messages like virus alerts.
Therefore, it’s usually best to leave the monitor on. This will allow the computer to send you push notifications to let you know if there’s an issue with your device.
What Are the Benefits of Leaving Your Monitor On?
Here’s a list of all the reasons you should keep your screen on:
- Aids in improving performance
- Gives the computer an opportunity to scan for viruses or other malware
- Helps regulate the internal temperature of your device
- Decreases boot-up time to make using your computer more efficient
- Allows your computer to alert you when there’s a serious issue
What Are the Drawbacks of Leaving Your Monitor On?
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should turn your screen off.
- It consumes a small amount of power as long as it’s running
- Some components may be loud and create white noise
- Any electrical surges may affect the lifespan of the monitor
Pros
- Aids in improving performance
- Gives the computer an opportunity to scan for viruses or other malware
- Helps regulate the internal temperature of your device
- Decreases boot-up time to make using your computer more efficient
- Allows your computer to alert you when there’s a serious issue
Cons
- It consumes a small amount of power as long as it’s running
- Some components may be loud and create white noise
- Any electrical surges may affect the lifespan of the monitor
Conclusion
Is it bad to leave a monitor on? There are a few factors to take into account to help you answer this question.
For starters, it’s a good idea to look at the impact on performance. Leaving the screen on will allow the device to streamline its operation.
Other than that, you should consider temperature control, energy consumption, and boot-up time.
Finally, remember that with the monitor off, your computer won’t be able to send you notifications.
