Computer monitors are complex pieces of equipment if you already know how a monitor works and a necessary part of the overall computing experience. Consumers may wonder just how long a monitor will last before needing a replacement.
How Long Does a Monitor Last?
Generally speaking, a traditional computer display should last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 hours of use. This translates to 10 to 20 years of continuous use, assuming that you use a computer monitor for roughly eight hours per day.
Factors That Determine the Lifespan of Computer Display
Though displays can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years before needing to be replaced, there are a number of factors that can increase or decrease this metric.
In some cases when a monitor is on the brink and users cannot yet afford a new one, using a laptop as a monitor is a great way to improvise until you buy a new one.
Durable Components
Monitors made from durable and well-regarded components typically improve the overall lifespan of the display. If your monitor is made with high-quality electrical components, uses some of the most advanced modern tech like the best 4K monitors, and features a best-in-class display panel, then you should rest easy, as the screen will be in working order for years to come.
Tip: Monitors made from durable and well-regarded components typically improve the overall lifespan of the display
Hours of Usage
The aforementioned lifespan metric of 30,000 to 60,000 hours, or 10 to 20 years, assumes that users are engaging with their monitors around eight hours per day. If you use a display for more than eight hours each day, then you should expect a somewhat shortened overall lifespan. On the other hand, if you use your monitor for just a couple of hours each day, then it could end up being functional beyond that estimate.
Warning: If you use a display for more than eight hours each day, then you should expect a somewhat shortened overall lifespan
Tip: On the other hand, if you use your monitor for just a couple of hours each day, then it could end up being functional beyond that estimate
Care and Maintenance
The level of care and maintenance you provide to your monitor could impact its overall lifespan. Try to clean your display regularly with a microfiber cloth and avoid moisture. If you’re wary of marks left from certain ways of cleaning, you can learn how to clean a monitor screen without streaks. If you run into any issues in the early years of owning the display, make sure to have it repaired immediately. Also, keep your monitor away from smoke and other potentially harmful fumes. If certain parts of your monitor start to deteriorate, like the built-in speakers, you can purchase add-ons to replace or help those functions, like the best monitor speakers for PC.
Tip: Try to clean your display regularly with a microfiber cloth and avoid moisture
Tips for Increased Monitor Lifespans
Here are some general tips and guidelines to follow to squeeze the most time out of your computer display.
Keep Your Work Area Clean and Safe
In order to extend your monitor’s overall lifespan, be sure to keep your work area clean and tidy. Avoid placing liquids next to or near the monitor and make sure that the desk it is resting upon is sturdy and stable. You may also want to make sure the monitor is not placed in a highly trafficked area, as accidents could occur.
Tip: In order to extend your monitor’s overall lifespan, be sure to keep your work area clean and tidy
Warning: Avoid placing liquids next to or near the monitor and make sure that the desk it is resting upon is sturdy and stable
Use a Surge Protector
Using a surge protector could significantly extend the life of your display unit. Plugging your monitor directly into a wall-based power outlet will expose it to daily fluctuations of electrical current. Surge protectors, by their very nature, protect sensitive pieces of electronics from those fluctuating currents.
Tip: Plugging your monitor directly into a wall-based power outlet will expose it to daily fluctuations of electrical current
Avoid Blocking Air Vents
Modern computer monitors are made from solid-state electronic materials. In other words, they can overheat when overtaxed. Most displays feature a number of air vents to avoid overheating, but they can easily be blocked by items on your workstation. Be sure to check out the air vents regularly to ensure that they are not blocked. If dirt and dust accumulate on these air vents, use a small vacuum cleaner or a brush to sweep away debris.
Warning: Be sure to check out the air vents regularly to ensure that they are not blocked. If dirt and dust accumulate on these air vents, use a small vacuum cleaner or a brush to sweep away debris
Set the Screen Saver to Solid Black
Be sure to set your computer’s screen saver to solid black, instead of a more intricate and colorful design. This will save on power and allow the display’s LCD bulbs to last longer. This procedure could also help to mitigate the burn-in effect.
Tip: Be sure to set your computer’s screen saver to solid black, instead of a more intricate and colorful design
Lower the Brightness Level
You do not need to have the monitor’s brightness level set to its highest metric. Lower it to a comfortable level and adjust the color and gamma levels to increase overall efficiency. Monitors that are set to their maximum brightness setting will tend to burn out bulbs faster, thus lowering the display’s overall lifespan.
Warning: Monitors that are set to their maximum brightness setting will tend to burn out bulbs faster, thus lowering the display’s overall lifespan
STAT:
Modern computer monitors last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 hours or 10 to 20 years.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02977594
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344911001972
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED-backlit_LCD
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLDA9QT8EY&t=1s
