Do you own a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device? When compared to other display technologies, LCD typically offers a longer lifespan. A plasma TV, for instance, may last for just 30,000 hours, whereas an LCD TV may last for well over 60,000 hours. Whether you own an TV, smartphone, tablet or any other display device that’s powered by LCD technology, though, you should follow these tips to prolong its lifespan.
#1) Clean the Screen
You’ll need to clean your LCD’s screen on a regular basis to prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris. Some LCDs are integrated into touchscreen devices. As a result, they’ll accumulate fingerprint smudges as well. Even if your LCD doesn’t have touchscreen functionality, you should still clean it regularly. Otherwise, the screen may become dirty to the point where it no longer delivers clear and high-quality images.
#2) Store in a Shaded Area
Don’t make the mistake of storing your LCD in a sunny area. While doing so may sound harmless, it can shorten its lifespan. Artificial light is typically harmless to LCDs. Sunlight, on the other hand, is a different story. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the individual pixels in your LCD to quickly heat up. If left unaddressed, the hot pixels may fail, at which point they’ll turn black. By keeping your LCD out of direct sunlight, you can prolong its lifespan.
#3) Adjust the Brightness
Another tip to make your LCD last a long time is to adjust brightness. Nearly all LCDs have built-in controls for brightness. Using these controls, you can make your LCD brighter, or you can make it dimmer. Generally speaking, you want to use a low brightness to prolong the lifespan of your LCD. With a dimmer display, it will consume less energy while minimizing the stress on its pixels and components.
#4) Turn Off After Use
If you’re guilty of leaving your LCD on for extended periods, you should try to get into the habit of turning it off more frequently. The longer your LCD stays on, the greater the risk of wear and tear. When you are finished using your LCD, turn it off. Not only will this prolong the lifespan of your LCD, but it will save you money on power-related costs as well.
#5) Use a Surge Protector
Assuming your LCD plugs into a wall outlet, you should consider using a surge protector. Surge protectors are designed to protect connected devices from catastrophic damage in the event of an electrical surge. If an excessive amount of voltage is detected, it will either ground or block it. As a result, your LCD won’t sustain damage.
