The best projectors aren’t cheap. So, naturally you’d want to keep your projector running as long as possible to get the most out of your investment.

We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to better maintain your projector so you can enjoy watching movies and TV for as long as possible. Some may seem obvious (we’ve seen enough people to assure you they’re not always to everyone), some tips are extra precautionary levels but all of them have some value to keep your projector functional.

The Obvious Tips

  • Don’t allow objects of any kind to enter any openings of the projectors
  • Don’t shake the projector
  • Keep magnets away from your projector
  • Do not stand on the projector or place heavy objects on it.
  • Keep away from open flames

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Operating Your Projector

  • Keep the lens cap on the projector when not in use
  • Do not use the projector outside of the recommended temperature range of 41 to 95 ºF (5 to 35 ºC)
  • Listen for any loud clicking, buzzing, whirling or mechanical noises as that could be a sign of a mechanical issue with the internal mechanisms
  • Never open the chassis on the projector except as specifically explained in the owner's manual
  • When not in use, power down your projector
  • Avoid frequently turning the projector on and off
  • Don’t operate the projector non-stop. Turn it off for at least one hour every 24 hours.
  • If you don’t need the extra brightness, operate your projector in “Eco”, “Economy” or “Low Power” mode
  • To avoid dust build-up keep the room where you use your projector clean, vacuum regularly and use a air purifier to take dust out of the air

Projector Placement

  • Make sure your projector is securely mounted
  • Make sure any mount is rated to support the weight of your projector
  • Make sure there is at least 7.9 inches of space between a wall and the exhaust vent
  • Do not operate the projector in a closed-in cabinet unless proper ventilation is provided.
  • Keep out of reach of young children and pets
  • Avoid placing the projector where it can be bumped into
  • Keep any power or A/V cables off the floor where they can be tripped on or walked on
  • Do not use the projector where it may be exposed to rain, water, or excessive humidity
  • Do not operate the projector on its side, or while tilted to one side
  • Do not place anything that can become warped or damaged by heat near the exhaust vents.
  • Do not use adhesives to mount your projector, overtime they can lose their stickiness and cause your projector to fall

Replacing The Lamp

  • Do not handle replacement bulbs with your bare hands
  • Before removing the bulb make sure the power is off and it has had at least 30 minutes to cool down
  • Do not disassemble the lamp
  • Only use Genuine OEM projector replacement lamps

Cleaning And Maintaining Your Projector

  • Make sure you clean your projector the right way
  • Keep the air filters clear of dust
  • Replace the air filters regularly
  • Do not wait for the projector to warn you to change the filters
  • Don’t use abrasive cloths or sponges to clean your projector
  • Don’t use harsh liquid or aerosol cleaners, or solvents such as alcohol, paint thinners or benzine
  • Only place the projector on stable surface
  • Don’t use the projector on a couch, rug, on papers or other soft surfaces
  • Don’t use the projector near water, sources of heat, high-voltage electrical wires, or sources of magnetic fields
  • Replace the batteries in the remote every two years to prevent battery fluid leakage

Moving Your Projector

  • Before you move the projector, make sure its power is turned off, the plug is disconnected from the outlet, and all cables are disconnected.
  • When transporting the projector try to keep it level
  • Make sure the lens is covered either with the lens cap or a lens pad
  • Remove the mounting from the projector before moving it
  • When moving the projector to different locations try to transport it in its original packaging
  • When transporting the projector a long distance or as checked luggage, pack it in a firm box with cushioning around it and mark the box "Fragile."

Projector Storage

  • Don’t store the projector in a overly hot location, such as near a heater, in direct sunlight, or in a closed vehicle
  • Do not store the projector outdoors for an extended length of time
  • Do not use or store the projector where it may be exposed to smoke, steam, corrosive gases, excessive dust, vibration, or shock
  • Unplug the projector when it will not be used for extended periods.
  • Run your projector at least twice a year when not in use

Projector Power

  • Don’t unplug the projector without powering it down
  • Wait for the cooling fan to stop before unplugging the projector
  • Don’t yank the cord out, hold the plug itself when disconnecting
  • Don’t plug the device into a dusty outlet
  • Don’t plug it in with wet hands
  • Don’t overload wall outlets, extension cords or power strips
  • Unplug the projector during an electrical storm
  • If you use the projector in a country other than where you purchased it, use the correct power cord for that country.
  • If the power cord is at all damaged do not use the projector. Get a replacement cord.

Projector Safety

  • Never look directly into the projector when it’s on
  • If the lamp breaks, ventilate the room to prevent gases contained in the lamp from being inhaled or coming in contact with your eyes or mouth. If you inhale gases or if they come in contact with your eyes or mouth, seek medical advice immediately as they can be very toxic.

Using multiple projectors together

  • Don’t stack your projectors directly on top of each other
  • If you are using two or more projectors side-by-side, leave at least 2 feet (60 cm) of space between the projectors to allow for proper ventilation.