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Television lifespan: how long does it last?

Short answer

Television: 6 to 10 years on average, so around 7 years in normal household use. Regular maintenance routinely pushes past the top of that range.

A television lasts 6 to 10 years in normal household use. LED panels generally outlast OLED ones, which can show retention after several years of static content.

Heat is the main cause of wear: a TV built into a closed cabinet with no airflow ages noticeably faster.

Signs it is reaching the end

  • Bands or dark patches appear on the picture
  • The backlight fades and the picture looks dull
  • A ghost image remains visible (OLED burn-in)
  • The set takes longer and longer to start up
  • It restarts on its own

The maintenance that extends its life

  • Dust the ventilation grilles at the back

    How often: every 6 months

  • Clean the screen with a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth

    How often: monthly

  • Leave breathing space around the set

    How often: always

  • Keep brightness only as high as needed (extends the backlight)

    How often: one-off setting

Repair or replace?

Repairing a broken or failing panel almost always costs more than an equivalent new television. A power-supply or board failure, on the other hand, is often repairable at reasonable cost on a higher-end model.

French repair bonus

Having an out-of-warranty television repaired by a QualiRépar-certified repairer in France entitles you to 60 taken straight off the invoice. No paperwork, nothing to pay up front: the repairer deducts it from the total.

How to claim the repair bonus →

Frequently asked questions

How long does a television last?

Six to ten years in household use. Lifespan depends mostly on heat: a well-ventilated set at moderate brightness lasts appreciably longer.

Is it worth repairing a television with a damaged screen?

Rarely: replacing a panel generally costs more than an equivalent new set. Power-supply or board failures, though, are often repairable at reasonable cost, especially on a higher-end model.

Do you know how old your television really is?

Delvyia works out its remaining life, tracks its servicing and warns you before it breaks down. Free for your first appliances.

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Lifespan of other appliances