5 Tips to Make Your Speaker Last a Lifetime [+1 Bonus!]

1. Dust Be Gone

Dust is possible the most destructive enemy of any speaker. It infiltrates your wire connectors where the wire and metal meet, disrupting the electrical signals and adding annoying noise to your system's sound. Not to mention dust can also damage your wiring and ruin the effectiveness of your speaker.

So how do you fight off dust? Regular cleaning using dust pads, dry cloths, air canisters, and vacuum cleaners. Just make sure to avoid damaging the cone drivers or tweeters, and never, EVER, use any liquids.

You can also place your speakers in a room with minimal dust or store them in a protective case when not in use.

2. Heat, Go Away

Another danger to your speakers is heat, which primarily comes from exposure to the sun. If left in direct sunlight, your speakers can overheat and damage the electromagnetic voice coils and totally ruin your sound.

The best way to avoid heat is to keep your speakers away from any windows and avoid direct sunlight. Don't forget to keep your speakers away from any hot areas in your home like fireplaces, heaters, and vents. And if your speaker has vent holes, make sure to keep them free of obstructions.

Pro Tip: If you have outdoor speakers, keep them in a shady spot with minimal to no sun exposure.

3. Lose the Static

You might not think it, but your speakers can build up static electricity, especially if it sits on the carpet. Which is not a good thing — static electricity can burn out your system!

To avoid burnout, you'll need to invest in anti-static floor mats for your carpets or move your speakers to a non-carpeted area. You also need to avoid placing your speakers on any metals that are magnetic conductors or near any magnetic source.

If you live in a dry climate, you can try placing a humidifier in the room to lessen static building. Just don't place it too close to your speakers!

4. Get Some Air

Every one of your speakers needs adequate airflow so that they can cool down as they play (remember, too much heat is bad!). While some audiophiles will have fans blowing on them to keep them cool, you can also try placing your speakers several inches away from the walls or tight spaces. And if you have bookshelf speakers, you can place them on a stand instead of in a crowded bookcase.

With good airflow, you'll even improve your sound quality and have less distortion due to vibrations and overheating!

5. Block the Power

No matter if you have active or passive speakers, you need to control how your system gets power. You never know when a power surge will occur, and if not adequately protected, the surge will damage the components in your music source or powered speakers.

So, to avoid any damage, plug your system into a surge protector strip or voltage regulator.

Bonus: When the Cold Is Too Cold

While heat is a negative factor, so is dampness and cold. When temperatures drop too low, you risk condensation building up within the speaker terminals and causing a short circuit that instantly damages your speakers.

But not to worry; so long as you don't plug your speaker in and turn it on while it's cold, you can avoid this. And if you can, make sure to store your speakers in a temperature-regulated area (avoid storing them in the garage!).

Pro Tip: If you want to turn your speaker on after it's been cold, let it sit completely turned off and unplugged for a couple of hours until it reaches room temperature.

Ready for New Speakers?

If you follow these essential tips, you'll have no trouble making your speakers last a lifetime. But if your current speakers aren't the best quality or if you don't have a complete system, our selection of speakers has what you need! Take a look at our online catalog or visit your local AV Design Consultants and see what we have.

Have any questions about your sound? Give us a call — our expert team is happy to guide you!