Heat is an unavoidable side effect of electronic appliances. It’s not too difficult to get a handle on what is “normal” or expected in terms of operating temperature for common electronic devices such as TVs and AV receivers.
Here is a good rule of thumb on making sure the device in question isn’t getting too hot. If you can hold it comfortably (for at least 10 seconds) without having to let go because it’s burning hot, then it’s OK. If not, try moving it to a cooler location – it may be on the other side of the room. Check its ventilation and try to take any obstacles out of the way that are blocking its ventilation.
The average operating temperature of an AV receiver is between 32°С, 104°F. Therefore, an increase of 68 degrees Fahrenheit above this range may indicate that the unit is running too hot.
What causes an AV receiver to overheat, and how to prevent it?
There are several causes for an AV receiver to overheat. Some of these include:
The receiver is in a location that does not have good air circulation. For example, it is installed in a cabinet or shelf that is enclosed, causing poor ventilation and heat build-up. If you are using an amp rack, make sure that it has open space underneath for adequate airflow. If your AV receiver is near a wall or in a corner, it can also cause overheating inside the cabinet. In this case, make sure that you have at least two inches of clearance on all sides and top.
Besides, if your receiver is in a dusty area, then dust may settle onto components inside the unit, causing them to overheat. So clean the receiver regularly to keep it from getting too hot.
One more reason is that your receiver has too many components plugged into it. Sometimes, even plugging a PC into your AV receiver, you are probably overloading the system.
If your receiver is very hot to the touch, you may have a defective or worn-out heat sink. The best option, in this case, is to contact your nearest warranty service center or any professional.
In any case, remember that the receiver is not designed for outdoor use. Please do not leave the receiver outdoors or in a location where it may be exposed to direct sunlight or other types of heat. If you have installed this receiver outdoors, immediately bring it inside the house.
What should I do if my AV receiver is too hot?
It’s normal for your AV receiver to be warm. If it is too hot to touch, first of all, make sure that it is not getting hotter. Then, if necessary, move the unit somewhere more fabulous.
If your receiver is hot, rather than just warm, then there are three main things that you can also try to do:
- Turn down the amplifier power
- Clean the fan grill surrounding the vents on your receiver
- Open up your receiver and clean out any dust build-up near the vents and heat sinks
Besides, a safety feature is built into almost all AV receivers to prevent them from overheating. If the unit becomes too hot, it will shut itself off until it has cooled down enough for the operation. Generally, the receiver will turn back on within 5 minutes after this.
