Congrats on your new smart TV! These sleek entertainment centers are more powerful and delicate than ever — but one small mistake can cost you big money in repairs or even shorten the TV’s life. Here are the key things every tv owner should avoid if they want their screen to last.

🔥 1. Never Place Your tv in Direct Sunlight or Near Heat Sources

One of the most common mistakes is putting the tv close to a window or heat source like a heater or stove.
👉 Direct sunlight or heat stresses the display panel and internal circuits, leading to fading colors, screen damage or early failure.
Instead, place your tv in a cool, shaded, well‑ventilated area to keep it safe and extend its life.

 2. Don’t Ignore Power Fluctuations

Smart TVs are packed with sensitive electronics.
👉 Plugging your tv directly into a wall socket without protection exposes it to power surges and voltage spikes from storms, outages or unreliable power.
Always use a good quality surge protector or voltage stabilizer to protect your TV’s internal circuits from permanent damage.

🧼 3. Avoid Wrong Cleaning Methods

Cleaning your tv screen might seem simple, but many people do it wrong.
Don’t spray liquid cleaners directly on the screen. Liquids can seep into the panel and cause malfunction.
Don’t use household glass cleaners, vinegar, alcohol wipes, paper towels or rough cloths — they can harm coatings and scratch the surface.
Use a soft microfiber cloth, lightly dampened if needed, and gently wipe the screen instead.

🌬 4. Don’t Block Ventilation — Give It Space

Smart TVs generate heat during use, and proper airflow is essential.
👉 If you place your tv too close to the wall or inside a tight cabinet with no air circulation, internal components can overheat, leading to malfunction or reduced lifespan.
Make sure there’s enough clearance around the tv for air to flow freely.

📶 5. Beware of Things Around the TV

What you keep near your tv matters:

❌ Avoid putting things like water bottles, coffee mugs, plants, or decorative items on tv console shelves above or right beside the screen — liquids and heat from nearby devices can damage electronics.
❌ Also keep other electronics that generate heat (like routers or chargers) a safe distance away.

📡 6. Don’t Skip software Updates

A smart tv is more like a computer than a traditional tv — it runs apps and software.
👉 Ignoring updates can lead to bugs, app crashes, sluggish performance and even security vulnerabilities.
Make sure automatic updates are enabled or check for updates regularly to keep the system running smoothly.

🧠 7. Be Careful With Third‑Party Apps

Smart TVs let you install apps, but not all are safe or optimized:
Only install apps from your TV’s official app store.
⚠ Avoid unknown third‑party apps that may be poorly coded, cause crashes, or even compromise privacy.
If an app is causing problems, remove it.

📏 8. Choose Installation Location Wisely

Wrong placement can affect both comfort and device health:
✔ Don’t mount your tv too high or too close to where people sit — this can strain your neck and eyes and also increase heat buildup behind the unit.
✔ Keep cables organized and not bent or stressed to avoid connection issues.

🛑 9. Don’t Just Turn Off the Power Switch

Some users shut off the tv by flipping the main power switch straight off.
👉 That can corrupt software or cause system glitches. Use the remote or the TV’s power button to turn it off properly before cutting power.

🧾 Quick Recap: What Not to Do With Your New Smart TV

Mistake to Avoid

Why It’s Bad

Direct sunlight/heat

Can damage the screen and circuits

No power protection

Vulnerable to surges and spikes

Wrong cleaning

Scratches or damages sensitive coating

Blocking ventilation

Causes overheating

Clutter around TV

Liquids & heat sources cause malfunctions

Ignoring software updates

Leads to bugs & slow performance

Installing random apps

Can crash or compromise system

Turning off at power switch

May corrupt software

💡 Final Tip: A smart tv is an investment. Spending a little time to care for it properly — especially avoiding common mistakes — can save you from costly repairs and ensure it gives you great entertainment for many years.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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