As more homeowners create outdoor living spaces, the question often comes up - can we leave our TV outside over winter in our outdoor family room? It's an understandable desire to want to keep your outdoor entertainment setup in place year-round. However, exposing a standard indoor TV to harsh winter conditions can quickly lead to damage and a hefty replacement cost. Let's explore the ins and outs of outdoor TVs and how to properly protect your entertainment investment through the cold months.

Can Regular TVs Survive Winter Outdoors?

The short answer is no, regular indoor TVs are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to outdoor environments, especially during winter. Standard TVs lack the weatherproofing and temperature resistance needed to handle freezing temperatures, moisture, and other outdoor elements.

Indoor TVs are built for climate-controlled environments with relatively stable temperatures and humidity levels. The internal components, screen technology, and housing materials are not engineered to deal with extreme temperature swings, condensation, or prolonged moisture exposure.

Leaving a regular TV outside over winter, even if it's under an overhang or covered patio, will likely void the warranty and significantly shorten its lifespan. The freezing temperatures alone can damage the LCD panel, causing the liquid crystals to freeze and potentially crack the screen. Condensation and humidity can also wreak havoc on the internal electronics.

So while it may be tempting to simply leave your existing indoor TV mounted on the patio, it's not a good long-term solution if you want to enjoy outdoor entertainment year-round. For that, you'll need to invest in a properly designed outdoor TV.

Risks of Leaving a TV Outside in Winter

To understand why regular TVs can't handle winter conditions, let's look at some of the specific risks and potential damage that can occur:

Freezing Temperatures

LCD/LED screens contain liquid crystals that can freeze and expand at very low temperatures, potentially cracking or shattering the display panel
Internal components and circuit boards can become brittle and crack
Plastic housing and parts may become brittle and break more easily

Moisture and Condensation

Condensation can form inside the TV as temperatures fluctuate, leading to short circuits and corrosion
Rain, snow and high humidity can penetrate the housing and damage electronics
Moisture trapped inside can lead to mold and mildew growth

Thermal Shock

Rapid temperature changes (like warming up a cold TV) can cause components to expand and contract quickly, leading to damage
Materials may separate or crack due to thermal stress

UV Damage

Prolonged sun exposure can fade and degrade plastic components
UV rays can damage LCD panels over time

Dust and Debris

Outdoor environments expose the TV to much more dust, pollen, and debris that can clog vents and components
Insects may find their way inside the housing

Power Surges

Outdoor electrical connections are more vulnerable to power surges from lightning strikes

The combination of these environmental factors takes a serious toll on electronics that aren't specifically built to withstand them. While bringing your TV inside during the harshest weather can help, it doesn't fully protect against the cumulative effects of outdoor exposure.

Outdoor TV Options for Year-Round Use

If you want to enjoy outdoor TV viewing year-round, including through the winter months, you'll need to invest in a proper outdoor TV. These specialized televisions are engineered from the ground up to withstand the elements.
Here are some of the key features that set outdoor TVs apart:
Weatherproof Enclosures
Outdoor TVs have fully sealed, weatherproof enclosures to keep out moisture, dust, insects and other debris. They typically carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of at least IP55, indicating strong protection against water and dust ingress.
Temperature Resistance
Quality outdoor TVs can operate in a wide temperature range, often from -24°F to 122°F (-31°C to 50°C). This allows them to handle both winter cold snaps and summer heat waves.
Anti-Glare Screens
Outdoor TV screens are designed to be viewable in bright sunlight, with high brightness levels (often 1000+ nits) and anti-reflective coatings.
Corrosion Resistance
Components are treated to resist corrosion from humidity and salt air in coastal environments.
Enhanced Cooling
Outdoor TVs have robust cooling systems to prevent overheating in direct sunlight and warm temperatures.
Specialized Coatings
UV-resistant coatings help prevent sun damage and fading of the housing and screen.
Some popular outdoor TV brands to consider include:
SunBriteTV
Samsung The Terrace
Séura
Furrion Aurora
Peerless-AV Neptune
These outdoor TVs come at a premium price compared to standard indoor models, but they offer the durability and performance needed for year-round outdoor use. Prices typically range from $1,500 to $10,000+ depending on size and features.

Tips for Protecting an Outdoor TV in Winter

If you do invest in a proper outdoor TV, there are still some steps you can take to protect it and extend its lifespan through the harsh winter months:
Use a Fitted Cover
Even though outdoor TVs are weatherproof, using a fitted cover when the TV isn't in use provides an extra layer of protection from the elements. Look for a cover specifically designed for your TV model.
Keep It Clean
Regularly clean the TV and its enclosure to prevent buildup of dirt, pollen, and other debris. Use a soft, damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals.
Check Seals and Gaskets
Periodically inspect the weatherproof seals and gaskets for any signs of wear or damage. Replace if necessary to maintain the weatherproof barrier.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
Make sure vents aren't blocked by snow, leaves, or other debris that could impede airflow and cause overheating.
Use a Surge Protector
Protect against power surges with a high-quality outdoor-rated surge protector.
Consider a Heating Element
In extremely cold climates, a small heating element inside the enclosure can help prevent condensation and protect components.
Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes
If possible, gradually warm up a very cold TV before use to prevent thermal shock to components.
Secure Against High Winds
Ensure your TV mount can withstand strong winter winds. Consider bringing in the TV during severe storms if possible.
By following these tips, you can help ensure your outdoor TV performs well and lasts for many seasons of winter use.

Conclusion

While it's tempting to simply leave a regular TV outside for year-round use, the harsh reality is that standard indoor televisions simply aren't built to withstand winter weather. Exposure to freezing temperatures, moisture, and other outdoor elements will quickly damage an indoor TV and void its warranty.
For those serious about creating an outdoor entertainment space that can be enjoyed even in the colder months, investing in a proper outdoor TV is the way to go. These specialized TVs are engineered to handle a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, allowing you to leave them mounted outside all winter long.
However, outdoor TVs do come at a premium price, so it's important to weigh the costs and benefits for your particular situation. If you only occasionally want to watch TV outside, it may make more sense to use a portable setup that can be easily moved in and out as needed.
Whichever route you choose, taking proper precautions to protect your TV from the elements will help ensure you can enjoy outdoor movie nights and game days for many seasons to come. With the right equipment and care, your outdoor family room can be a cozy entertainment oasis even on chilly winter evenings.