Can I Mount a TV Over My Fireplace?
It is common for homeowners to ask the question “Can I mount a TV over my fireplace?” If you are wondering about the answer to this question, it is probably because you have heard conflicting reports about whether or not this is something that you can do safely. In reality, the answer to this question is a simple one. You absolutely can mount a TV over your fireplace. When it is done right, it can look great from an aesthetics standpoint. At Fireplace Concepts Inc, we are the Lexington, KY fireplace experts and we want to clear up this question about mounting a TV over your fireplace. With this said, there are some important things that you need to consider when you do this.
If you want to mount your TV over your fireplace, you need to take steps to ensure that it does not get damaged by heat. Special care needs to be taken to ensure that the heat from your fireplace is getting directed safely away from your TV. There are a lot of different fireplace-style options that look great when a TV is mounted over them. At the end of the day, it is all about following the correct procedure when mounting your TV above your fireplace.
Can Heat Damage a TV?
Extreme temperatures can cause permanent damage to flat-screen TVs. This includes extreme cold as well as moisture and humidity. Extreme heat such as the kind that your fireplace is capable of generating can also damage your TV. The heat levels generated by today’s fireplaces can reach anywhere from 500°F all the way up to 1100°F.
One of the main reasons that heat from a fireplace can cause damage to your TV is because it rises. The heat that rises up from your fireplace is often beyond the temperature level that your television is built to withstand. This reinforces the importance of taking the correct mounting steps if you want to place your TV above your fireplace.
How Far Away Does a TV Need to Be From a Fireplace?
Figuring out how far away your TV should be from your fireplace is one of the most important considerations when deciding where to position it. You do not want to mount your TV so high that you are straining your neck to look at it. At the same time, if you mount it too low, it can make it look less aesthetically pleasing. Mounting your TV too low can also increase the risk of it getting overheated from your fireplace. As a general rule of thumb, you should allow 7 inches of clearance space between the bottom of your flat-screen TV and the top of your fireplace’s mantel.
Can I Mount My TV Above My Brick Fireplace?
Can I mount a TV over my fireplace? This is the question that we are addressing here and we have pointed out that it is definitely something that you can do as long as you take the right steps to redirect the heat that your fireplace produces. With this in mind, you might also be wondering if this same point applies to a brick fireplace.
As with other types of fireplaces, you can mount a TV over a brick fireplace. There are a few things that you need to take into consideration to do this effectively. These considerations include:
- Consider the Position of Your Furniture – Before you mount your TV over your brick fireplace, you need to consider the position of your furniture within the room. This is so that you can avoid having to strain your neck to be able to watch your TV. You can always adjust the viewing angle by moving your couch and chairs back a bit. You can also ensure that you purchase a flat-screen TV that is big enough to compensate for this issue.
- Avoid the Use of a Fixed Mount – When mounting your TV above your brick fireplace, you want to avoid the use of a fixed mount. You open your options up tremendously when you choose a tilted wall mount or a motorized one. This way, you can adjust your TV so that you can achieve the perfect viewing angle.
- Take Steps to Keep Your TV Cool – You also need to take some steps to keep your TV cool if you are going to mount it above your brick fireplace. If you do not use your fireplace often, then heat might not be a major issue. In the case that you do use your fireplace frequently, then you might want to consider installing a shelf underneath the TV. This can help to block some of the heat that is rising up from the fireplace. Another thing that you can do to keep your TV cool is to avoid using it whenever you are currently using your fireplace.
How Do I Protect My TV From Fireplace Heat?
To protect your TV from the heat of your fireplace, you need to take steps to redirect the heat away from where you have it mounted. A fireplace mantel is one of the most effective ways to divert heat. Another step that you can take to redirect heat away from your TV is to install a fireplace hood. A fireplace hood is installed directly over the opening of the fireplace. It is designed to absorb heat and force it out rather than up. This can be a highly effective way to keep your TV safe from the heat if you have mounted it above your fireplace.
What Happens When a TV Gets Too Hot?
Overheating can cause permanent damage to your TV. The most common sign of an overheated TV is a sudden shutdown. There are some steps that you can take to deal with the situation. You should start by clearing the vents of your TV. If these vents become blocked with dust and other obstructions, it can lead to overheating. If your vents are clear and in a position where they can get proper airflow, then you could have a situation where your TV has been mounted too close to your fireplace and must be repositioned.
