Your Living Room TV Doesn’t Belong on the Patio (Here’s Why)

Can I Use an Indoor TV Outside?

This is one of the most common questions I get from customers around Naperville and the western suburbs—especially as patio season kicks in. Just the other day, a buddy asked me, “Can I just move my living room TV outside for the summer? I don’t want to spend thousands on one of those outdoor TVs.”

I get it. It seems like a simple solution. But here’s the bottom line:

It’s not a good long-term plan.

And here’s why:

  1. Your indoor TV isn’t built for the outdoors—it’ll fail from moisture, dust, and temperature swings.

  2. It won’t be bright enough to watch during the day, even in the shade.

Let’s break it down with a bit more detail:

Why Indoor TVs and Outdoor Spaces Don’t Mix

Chicago Weather Isn’t Kind to Electronics

Outdoor TVs are designed with tough Midwest weather in mind. They carry an IP rating (usually IP55 or IP56), which means they’re sealed to resist dust, bugs, humidity, and even light rain. Even then, most manufacturers still recommend using a dust cover when the TV isn’t in use.

Here in Naperville, we all know how brutal the humidity can get. Add in pollen, condensation, and summer storms, and it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re using an indoor TV outside—even if it’s under a covered porch or pergola.

Condensation Is the Silent Killer

Even without direct rain, the temperature swings we get in the western suburbs can cause internal condensation inside the TV. Moisture like that causes corrosion and eventually shorts out the electronics. Not ideal when you’re trying to relax and enjoy the game with friends on the patio.

It’s Just Not Bright Enough

Even if the environment doesn’t fry your TV, brightness is another big issue. Indoor TVs typically max out around 500 nits. That’s fine inside your Naperville home, where indoor lighting might reach 100–150 lux.

But step outside, and here’s what you’re dealing with:

Sunny day: ~60,000 lux

Full shade: ~3,600 lux

Overcast or cloudy: ~20,000 lux

Even in a shaded outdoor area, your standard indoor TV’s 1,500 lux (approx.) can’t keep up. It’ll look washed out or totally unwatchable during the day. Outdoor-rated TVs, by contrast, can reach up to 3,000 nits, or roughly 9,000 lux. That gives them a real shot at staying visible—even when the sun’s out.

What About a Weatherproof Enclosure?

Some people try to get by with a protective TV enclosure mounted to the siding. And if you only plan to watch at night, it might work—for a little while. But long-term? You’re still dealing with:

  • Overheating

  • Internal condensation

  • Shortened lifespan

And here’s the kicker:

If you do try to use an indoor TV outside, how long will it last?

Honestly—there’s no way to predict. But if Murphy’s Law has anything to say about it, it’ll probably die the day before your next big backyard party. That’s just how it goes. If you’re going to enjoy outdoor TV, it’s worth doing it right.

The Better Option: Outdoor-Rated TVs

If you want to enjoy movies (I highly recommend Interstellar), sports, or Netflix on your deck or patio all summer long, a proper outdoor TV is the way to go. They’re brighter, weather-resistant, and designed for exactly this kind of use—whether you’re in Naperville, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Downers Grove, or anywhere across the western suburbs.

We help homeowners throughout the Chicago area choose the right outdoor TVs for their unique spaces—whether it’s full sun, partial shade, or a screened-in porch. We also handle professional mounting, wire concealment, and sound system upgrades so you can enjoy a clean, reliable setup from day one.

Thinking about upgrading your outdoor space?

Let’s make sure your setup is built to last. We’re local, and we stand behind everything we install.

6/23/25