The first flat-screen TV may have been invented back in the mid-1960s but it is only during the last decade or so that this piece of electronics has become a part of the household of most people. Compared to old-style televisions, these ones require less space, offer a wider viewing angle and a much better image quality. But they too have their weak points and one of them can become quite obvious if you are planning to move home in the winter. Moving your flat-screen TV in very cold weather is not always a good idea because these two things do not mix well. That is why, if you want to keep your relocation on track without putting the wellbeing of your modern-day television at risk:
- Hire a temperature-controlled moving van
- Pack the TV in its original box
- Wrap it well in blankets and furniture covers
- Avoid leaving it outside for an extended period of time
Sounds simple, does it? But this is where our moving guide begins as they are several key things that we are yet to discuss.
Why are low temperatures bad from your modern TV?
There are several reasons why flat-screen TVs do not like freezing temperatures. The first of them is condensation. When such television is exposed to rapid temperature fluctuations (e.g. from a well-heated living room to a cold transit van), this creates the perfect condition for the formation of condensation inside the appliance. That may cause various problems and damages to different parts of the TV. If your television is based on the LED technology that relies on liquid crystal to produce the image on the screen, cold temperatures can literary make the screen freeze. The picture will move at a visibly slower rate and its brightness will be reduced. This problem is usually temporary and it disappears not long after the device has been placed in an environment with a moderate temperature. Sometimes, however, the damage may also be permanent.
What is the dangerous temperature zone?
Most TV makers say that their flat-screen products can bear temperatures as low as -20°C but that is hardly the case. Even 10°C can damage your television.
How to prep it for a move?
Start by opting for a moving company that offers both an affordable delivery of packing supplies in London and climate-controlled vans and trucks. In that way, you will be able to order quality moving blankets and covers with which you can properly wrap your precious TV. Before that, however, you will need to pack it in a box – preferably its original one. Several hours before the movers arrive, unplug the television and set the heating in the room at a slightly lower temperature. That will help the appliance to gradually go through a moderate temperature spectrum which will decrease the chance of any cold-related damages. Wrap it carefully with blankets – the more the merrier. Once the moving vehicle arrives, do not rush to load the TV. Leave it for the final part of the truck loading process to ensure that it will not spend too much time in the cold.
Feel free to ask your skilled movers for a tip or two. They certainly have some experience moving delicate electronics and will know what to do.