Plasma TV Maintenance Tips

Read these 11 Plasma TV Maintenance Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Plasma TV tips and hundreds of other topics.

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How can I increase the lifespan of my plasma screen television?

Lengthening the Life of Your Plasma Screen Television

Plasma screen televisions should last, on average, between 10 and 20 years with moderate use. However, the quality of the image does degrade with time. If you take the proper precautions, you can enhance the life of your plasma screen television. Never leave the plasma screen television on while it is not in use, doing so burns away precious phosphors. Also, adjusting the contrast of your screen will help to extend its life. A screen with its contrast level at 100% will burn through phosphors faster.

   
How Should I store my plasma screen television?

Storing a Plasma Screen Television

If you are going to store your plasma screen television, store it in its original package. The box that it came in should provide ample padding and a proper structure for storage. Make sure that you store the unit in a space that is cool, dry, and free of dust. If you are planning on discarding your plasma screen television, make sure you do so in a way that complies with environmental regulations. Consult your television's manufacturer for proper disposal procedures.

   
Can I clean my plasma screen television?

Cleaning the Plasma Screen Television

If you need to clean your plasma screen television, don't use ordinary household cleaners. Take the same precautions that you would use when cleaning a home computer. Like most electronic devices, plasma screen televisions are sensitive to static electricity. A discharge of static electricity can cause lasting damage to the screen or the television's interior electronic components. When cleaning the screen use only ISO-clean, anti-static cleanser, and an anti-static cloth. Avoid getting the television wet, even when dusting it.

   
How do I prevent burn in with my plasma screen television?

Preventing Burn In of Plasma Screen Televisions

Burn in will only occur in plasma screen televisions that display the same image, or the same part of an image, for an extended period of time. Using the screen to display a single image, like a picture, will inevitably cause burn in. Using the screen as a computer display for long periods of time will cause the desktop of the computer to be burned in to the screen. Also, constantly viewing news programs that have stationary onscreen objects (such as news tickers) will cause these objects to burn in to the screen. Most high-end plasma screen televisions have an option called “white flash” that will eliminate a burned in image. Using the white flash will shorten the life of your screen.

   
Will my plasma screen television require regular maintenance?

Maintaining Your Plasma Screen Television

One of the beautiful things about plasma screen televisions is that they require little or no maintenance. There are no gasses to recharge or bulbs to replace. All you have to do is insure that the television is placed within a safe environment and used properly. Make sure that it rests in a clean, cool, and dry space. Clean the screen reguarly. Don't leave the television on when its not in use. If you follow these steps, no maintenance will be required.

   
Should I keep the area around my plasma screen television clean?

Clean Environments and Plasma Screen Televisions

Keep the area around your plasma screen television clean and free of dust. Dust can cause electrical shorts inside the unit. Additionally, a buildup of dust within the unit can be dangerous in high heat situations caused by extended use. Any liquids entering the unit can cause serious damage to the interior electrical components.

   
Should I use a surge protector with my plasma screen television?

Surge Protectors and Plasma Screen Televisions

A key step in caring for your plasma screen television is investing in a surge protector. Plasma screen televisions use a large amount of electricity, placing a greater demand on the electrical system of your home. Since many home users integrate a plasma screen television in to a home theatre system, the household electrical load is already usually very large. Connecting your plasma screen television to a surge protector is a simple way of safely dealing with this electrical load. A surge protector will also guard your expensive plasma screen television from damage related to electrical storms.

   
Is a plasma screen television sensitive to heat and humidity?

Heat and Humidity With Plasma Screen Televisions

Like most electronic devices, plasma screen televisions are very sensitive to heat and humidity. Make sure that you place your television in a cool dry place. Plasma screen televisions are not suitable for mounting outside. Also, temperature transitions from hot to cold may cause condensation on the unit's screen. This condensation can be damaging to sensitive electronic components within the plasma screen television.

   
How durable is my plasma screen television?

Fragility of Plasma Screen Televisions

Plasma screen televisions, like most electronic equipment, are extremely fragile. Bumping or leaning the unit can damage the picture quality. If the surface of the screen is damaged, the image produced by the screen will also suffer. If a plasma screen television falls from its mount, it will probably need to be replaced. Make sure that you mount your plasma screen television in a very safe area. Avoid scratching the screen.

   
Can I leave my plasma screen television on while I'm not watching television?

Leaving the Plasma Screen Television On

In order to preserve the life of your plasma screen television, you need to be careful with its use. Think of your television like any other household device – would you leave your microwave on when it's not in use? If your not watching television, don't leave your plasma screen television on. Even though the screen has a long life, unnecessary use can cause overheating and possibly burn in.

   
Can I repair a plasma screen television on my own?

Repairing Plasma Screen Televisions

If your plasma screen television becomes damaged, do not try and repair it on your own. As with any electrical device, there is a risk of electric shock. Plasma screen televisions are sensitive pieces of electronic equipment, and they require special training to disassemble and repair. If your plasma screen television becomes damaged, consult your warranty. Try calling the retailer and manufacturer to see if they can assist you in repairing your television.

   
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