How much side ventilation space does an LED TV really need?

September 6, 2013 2:10 PM

Things I read say a TV needs anywhere from 1-4 inches all around to properly ventilate. I have an older entertainment unit with proportions made for tube TV's (more square than rectangle). I've found a couple of TV's with dimensions that would fit with very little room for ventilation on the sides (less than half an inch) but 4+ inches on the top when the TV is on its stand, and the ventilation allowed on the bottom by the stand (from pictures this looks like at least a couple of inches). There would also be a ton of space behind the TV because the cabinet is made for an old tube TV. Will this work or will I destroy the TV?
posted by Mavri to Technology (3 answers total)

As a data point, my parents did exactly this for years (how many years? probably 8?) in their old entertainment center with no ill effects to the TV. They literally just this past month upgraded to a bigass television hung over the mantel. The previous TV is getting moved up to their bedroom along with the entertainment center, where it will likely live in the exact same conditions as before for another 8 years.
posted by phunniemee at 2:41 PM on September 6, 2013

I would think the heat produced would flow out just fine, up and gone, more space = up and gone better/cooler/faster but the basic clearance you mention should be fine. You'll feel the heat and the force of any stream of heated escaping air right away.
posted by Freedomboy at 4:44 PM on September 6, 2013

Heat flows up and out. The depth won't help at all, but the empty space at the top will work fine.
posted by TheAdamist at 5:12 PM on September 6, 2013