Flat Panel TV in un-heated home?

Hank Brandenburg · 08-06-2009, 06:06 AM

I have a 2nd home in a rural part of WV that I would like to install a 50" or so flat panel TV in. I am concerned about durability since I don't heat this home continuosly. When I leave the place in the winter I drain the pipes and turn all heat off; this means temperatures can drop as low as the 15 degress Farenheit or so inside the building.

I do have a CRT television there now as well as some audio electronics that seem to survive in these conditions.

My question: is this even feasible (will a flat panel TV survive in these conditions) ? Is one of the display technologies (LCD, Plasma, LED) better than the others in this regard?

Aaron62 · 08-06-2009, 07:19 AM

The best advice that I can offer is to check online owner manuals of TVs you're considering before you buy. My manual for my Sony LCD says that my warranty will be void if I store below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Maybe someone else can give advice on which TV would be best suited for your conditions.

EscapeVelocity · 08-06-2009, 07:32 AM

Laptops have used LCD panels for years. Do people leave them out in there freezing cars? Do they still work afterwards?

TonyT · 08-06-2009, 09:56 AM

It should be fine, how low will the outside temperatures be? Are you sure the inside of your house will get down to 15 degrees?

DTVuser2009 · 08-06-2009, 01:29 PM

I would think that it's fine so long as it's not used in such conditions. the only thing i can see that would go wrong is if you returned during such a cold spell and then turned on the heat and TV, and the sudden heat applied to a cold LCD would possibly crack it. my netbook was in my home during the ice storm where there was no power for three weeks and it got to about that temp and the laptop would still power on but would get crappy video until it warmed up. however, i wouldn't try that with an expensive 50" TV

Aries · 08-07-2009, 01:21 PM

LCD is usually a fairly flexible plastic when it comes to the screen, it shouldn't crack. But, condensation will happen if heat meets cold, so it's best to leave the TV alone for a while until it warms up. If there is no current, then there won't be any voltage issues. I think anyway, but don't quote me on that.

DTVuser2009 · 08-07-2009, 01:35 PM

i'm concerned with the freezing point of the liquid in the LCD and what it would do when frozen and how the panel tolerates the extra expansion of a frozen liquid.

Wheezer · 08-07-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTVuser2009

i'm concerned with the freezing point of the liquid in the LCD and what it would do when frozen and how the panel tolerates the extra expansion of a frozen liquid.

Water is somewhat unusual in becoming less dense as it approaches freezing, though, no?

DTVuser2009 · 08-08-2009, 05:18 AM

If water flows through a pipe unfrozen it's fine. but everyone knows what happens when water pipes freeze and burst. i'd think the same could be possible from an LCD.

Water expands as it freezes, doesn't it?


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