5 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Roku TV

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No matter what electronic device it is, you’ll want it to last as long as possible, and a Roku TV is no exception. A Roku TV has many benefits, and getting several years even with low-end models is a pretty fair expectation. Given the importance of having a screen with streaming options these days, we’ve rounded up some easy ways to extend the life of your Roku TV.

Even though the price of TVs has dropped over the years, chances are you still spent a lot of money on your current screen. Knowing this, small things like using a certain protective accessory or performing simple routine maintenance can really go a long way toward preservation. Things like software updates or simply changing some TV settings can be a big help in getting things going.

It’s worth remembering that not all electronics last forever and there may be warning signs that it’s time to upgrade to a new smart TV. To give a few quick examples, if apps stop working properly, odd spots start to appear on the screen, connectivity issues become constant, or performance significantly degrades, it may be time to consider other options. Before we get to that, though, there are some common Roku TV problems you can troubleshoot that may help.

A good surge protector is a great way to protect your devices from power outages, and that includes a Roku TV. A surge protector can be superior to a regular wall outlet or power strip in that it provides additional protections to protect your devices from power surges that can occur during storms or if power lines experience problems. In an ideal world, you wouldn’t plug your Roku TV directly into the wall.

For a TV, having a surge protector with a rating of at least 1,000 joules can keep your screen safe. If you have a full theater setup around your TV, something rated at 2,000 joules or more is even better. Fortunately, surge protectors can be found at various retailers such as Amazon or Walmart, and even those with a high rating can be purchased relatively cheaply. At least they’re definitely cheaper than replacing your Roku TV.

Some things to remember about these devices are that they don’t last forever and there are clear signs that your surge protector is faulty. Eventually, the surge protector will need to be replaced because its internal components are no longer able to absorb the additional power. Using one for about three to five years before replacing it can be a wise decision, although it may also depend on how often your area experiences events such as extreme weather that impact electricity. It is also good to remember that surge protectors may not protect against extreme voltage changes, such as those encountered during power outages, brownouts, or direct lightning strikes.

As with other electronic devices, heat is rarely your Roku TV’s friend. Ideally, it would be best if the display was kept at around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, or at the very least between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. In theory, keeping a TV at these temperatures can be simple, but it’s important to remember that screens generate a significant amount of heat themselves. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your Roku TV cool.

A cool screen is a happy screen, and an important step to take to achieve that is to make sure your TV has enough space for its vents to allow heat to escape. This means choosing a location that allows the device to breathe. So try to avoid placing the screen in a restricted area, including narrow cabinets. Be especially sure that the TV has enough space around the sides and back of the unit, and also try to keep the room it is in properly ventilated. You should also think about the risks that direct sunlight can pose to your TV.

To finish on heat, it’s also a good idea to make sure no other devices are left under the TV, as this can also contribute to potential problems (remember, hot air rises). Air is only part of the equation, however, as liquid can also play a role in shortening the lifespan of your Roku TV. Any condensation or humidity can also have a big impact, especially dew or humidity. You may want to consider a dehumidifier for particularly humid rooms.

Dust buildup can be another source of heat, as it can block air vents, but keeping a clean screen is important in other ways as well. Due to the electromagnetic waves produced by televisions, they are unfortunately very effective at attracting small dust particles. Besides overheating, dirt or dust can pose a threat by potentially causing weaker connections to the display’s inputs. Of course, dust can also be a source of interference when it comes to your viewing experience.

This doesn’t mean you have to clean your TV every day, but regular maintenance can do wonders. Sticking to a routine TV cleaning schedule can prevent dust buildup, and users may find in return that they see their screen better. If you decide it’s time to clean up, remembering a few basic principles can also be very helpful. When cleaning your TV screen, remember that the display panel may be sensitive, so avoid applying pressure to the screen when wiping it.

Choosing the right materials is also important. A clean microfiber cloth will be acceptable (avoid paper towels), but even then, some types of microfiber cloths are better than others for cleaning a TV. Using a little water directly on the cloth is okay, but don’t apply anything wet to the screen itself. Avoid using cleaners such as bleach, isopropyl alcohol, or window cleaning solutions. For seizures, use a soft-tipped tool. A small amount of disinfectant ethanol may be acceptable for more stubborn stains, but again, apply it only to the cloth and not the screen.

Wanting the brightest and best display can be quite reasonable. After all, it makes sense: you paid for a vibrant screen, so naturally you want to use it as much as possible. Unfortunately, running a screen at its maximum brightness all the time can be a great way to shorten its lifespan. Maximizing brightness carries the risk of higher energy consumption as well as additional heat buildup.

One of the easiest ways to prevent your screen from being too bright is to adjust the picture modes available on your Roku TV. While it’s likely set to Low Power out of the box to save power, there are also Standard, Sports, Movie, and Auto modes. Vivid may provide the brightest display, but it may also do more to shorten the lifespan of the TV compared to other options. You can still change modes when watching media by pressing the Star button on your Roku remote, then going to Picture Settings > Picture Mode. Try experimenting with something that’s not so shiny.

For what it’s worth, there are other smart TV settings you may want to change right away, but the important thing is to try to keep your screen at around 80% brightness or lower. You may also find that lowering the brightness can improve colors, as too much brightness can discolor images. It’s also a good idea not to leave the TV running if no one is using it. Users may prefer to keep it bright, but your TV will thank you if you lower the brightness level a bit.

A simple way to keep a smart TV performing at its best is to make sure it stays up to date in terms of software. System updates are a good way to ensure your display has access to the latest security patches, and software updates can bring new features to your Roku TV. A Roku is intended to systematically check for and apply updates, but you can always check for them yourself by pressing the Home button on your remote and going to Settings > System > Software Update > Check Now.

In addition to keeping the operating system up to date, it’s also a good idea to delete any apps you don’t use, especially if you’re using an older or low-end model. An abundance of apps can contribute to storage issues or even cause sluggish screen behavior. To delete an app, simply press the Home button on your remote, move to the right and highlight an app, then press the star button on your remote and select Delete channel. Confirm your decision and remember to cancel any associated subscriptions, if applicable.

Another important aspect for software is to periodically clear your cache. The cache is essentially made up of temporary files intended to help items load quickly, but an accumulation of these files can ultimately bog down your display. Fortunately, a simple reboot can clear the cache: just go to Settings > System > Power > System Restart. Doing this about once a week can be helpful for system maintenance. Remember that sometimes it’s the little things that can go a long way.