A typical floorplan with a fireplace will have you hanging your television above it. Before you do, you must learn how to protect a TV from fireplace heat. This is because the fireplace is usually the center of the room, and the TV must also be there. It would look off if it weren’t.
But there are dangers to having your TV above the fireplace, mainly because of the heat that comes from the fire. You can protect it in many ways, so you don’t have to worry about this. This guide will help your TV last longer.
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How to Protect a TV from Fireplace Heat
There are a few ways to protect your TV from the heat from your fireplace. Many of these are easy to do and don’t take much effort, while some may cause you to do some reconstruction to your wall. Here are the methods to protect your TV:
- Keep the doors closed.
- Put in a mantle.
- Install a fireplace hood.
- Use a heat shield.
- Have the fan on.
- Insert the TV into an alcove.
- Hang the TV a little higher.
- Pick the right brand of TV.
- Know the signs of overheating.
It is good to know your best options before hanging your TV above your fireplace, so you know what works for you and what doesn’t.
Keep The Doors Closed
When you have a fire in your fireplace, you should keep the doors closed whenever possible. Not only does this help protect anything near the fireplace from sparks, but it also keeps the heat from affecting your TV.
Most fireplaces come with glass doors nowadays, but older fireplaces may not have this option, or maybe the doors were broken. Having these can make quite a difference when it comes to protecting your TV.
Put In A Mantle
You can always put a mantle underneath your TV and right above your fireplace. This provides an extra barrier and can reduce the heat tremendously.
You’d be surprised how much something as simple as a mantle can change the temperature that reaches your TV. The mantle can also provide an excellent place to decorate or set things like a soundbar.
Mantles are pretty easy to install, and many styles will only add to your aesthetics. It won’t take away from it. There are many different gorgeous pieces or even more modern pieces.
Install A Fireplace Hood
If you are looking for something a little more simple, you can always go with a fireplace hood or sometimes called a heat deflector. They are installed at the top of the fireplace and look like a little hood.
The hood keeps excessive heat from spilling upwards since heat does rise. It can also deflect the heat, so it doesn’t affect your TV. You can look at your fireplace manufacturer for a heat shield or choose a universal one. All you need to do is measure your fireplace and then order!
Use A Heat Shield
A heat shield is one simple installment that can help protect your TV. A heat shield or a mantleflect helps deflect the heat from going upwards and can reduce the temperature effectively and inexpensively.
The heat shield is meant to go underneath the mantle so the heat can be deflected downwards, away from your TV. This is a pretty inexpensive attachment; you can even find these at a hardware store.
The heat shield is one of the easiest things you can install. You don’t need a contractor. You just need to cut the heat shield to the size of your mantel and stick it on. It’s just like hanging up a picture on your wall.
Have The Fan On
Whenever you have a fire going, an easy way to disperse the heat, so it doesn’t affect your TV is to turn on the fan. Most fireplaces have a fan except for when the fireplace was built. It can move the heat outwards into the room instead of the heat all going up first.
If you don’t have a fireplace fan, you can always put a fan near the fireplace to spread the heat. This isn’t really the best option, but it is one that you can do right away if you feel your TV is at risk. You should look for more long term options if your TV continues to be affected by the heat.
Insert TV Into An Alcove
If you haven’t hung up your TV and don’t feel quite right about hanging it above your fireplace, you can redesign how it is installed. Put in an alcove. They are pretty popular these days!
When you put your TV in an alcove, it is less like to have heat affecting it. It is almost like putting it out of danger. It also provides different aesthetics and makes your room a little larger while giving you a more custom and modern look. It also gives your room a very modern look.
It is best to hire a contractor to do this job. You can do it yourself, but remember; you are constructing near your fireplace. There are many things you have to take into consideration when you are designing and building this addition.
Hang The TV A Little Higher
Sometimes just adding a little distance between the opening of your fireplace and the TV can make the difference. It can reduce the temperature tremendously, so your TV doesn’t get hot.
Understandably, you don’t want to hang your TV up too high. Watching your favorite shows and movies would be uncomfortably craning your neck. You can always revert to the previous height if your TV is too high and makes it uncomfortable to watch.
Pick The Right Brand Of Television
Check out all the television brands. Most brands offer a TV that is resistant up to 125 degrees fahrenheit, but some can’t withstand anything more than 100 degrees. It really depends on the brand you purchase.
If you are worried, you can purchase an outdoor TV. Outdoor TVs can survive a wider range of temperatures and are made with more durable materials. Some of them can even survive temperatures up to 140 degrees fahrenheit!
Even though these types of televisions use thicker and more durable material, they won’t be bulky. Some can even be less than 3 inches thick! There are so many options, and you will find that these aren’t as expensive as you may have thought. They are pretty affordable for durability.
Know The Signs Of Overheating
Knowing the signs of overheating can help you determine if your TV is at risk of getting damaged. Here are a few signs to look out for:
- The TV turns off randomly.
- The fans are always going.
- Your TV is hot to the touch.
- There is a crackling sound coming from your TV.
These are all signs that your TV is overheating. You should immediately turn it off and try to cool it down. The easiest way is to remove it from the heat source. If you cannot remove it from that source, you can turn on a fan pointed towards it to help disperse the heat.
Pick A Different Type Of Fireplace
If you install a fireplace, you can always choose one that is better for your TV. A wood burning fireplace or stove often fluctuates in temperature. It is less likely controlled and can change depending on what type of wood you burn in it.
A gas-powered or electric fireplace provides more control and is less likely to damage your TV. This is because you can control the temperature, so the heat doesn’t fluctuate like a wood burning fireplace.
The Downfalls Of Installing A TV Above A Fireplace
Although many people place their television above their fireplaces without any issues, it is good to understand their downfalls. These include the following:
- Damage to your TV.
- The TV does not last as long.
- TV warranty is void.
- It may end up costing you money.
There may not be too many downfalls, but these can cause significant problems for your television that will cost you.
Damage To Your TV
The heat can cause damage to your TV and reduce its quality, meaning you cannot enjoy your favorite movies and shows to the level you want. The heat can cause damage that looks like the following:
- Image distortion.
- The sound goes in and out.
- Flashes on your TV screen.
- Lines on your TV.
- The screen or any other parts of the TV is warped.
- Buzzing sound.
- Blurry or fuzzy image.
- The sound no longer works.
- Your TV does not turn on.
- It randomly turns off.
- It takes forever for your screen to come on.
- The devices attached aren’t working.
Some of these may not be long lasting damage and easily fixed, but they will often worsen down the road. Heat can work in crazy ways, making damage hard to see until it is too late and your television cannot be saved.
The TV Does Not Last As Long
When your TV is chronically exposed to heat, it will not last as long. This is because all the parts within your TV are fighting the higher temperatures. These parts are constantly working to cool it down.
The parts begin to wear down, especially if they are constantly going. High temperatures can also cause the malformation of your TV. It also can make the materials weaker and more likely to break over time. Your TV just may not last as long as it would if it were placed somewhere else.
TV Warranty Is Void
Most warranties cover anything happening to your TV, like if it stops working, but when it is above a fireplace, this immediately voids the warranty. The manufacturer will not replace or fix the product.
There may be a few exceptions to a warranty. Those exceptions may include one that you bought or if it is a warranty for an outdoor television that can withstand higher temperatures. It is good to check out the warranty of your brand.
May End Up Costing You Money
When you install your television above your fireplace, it could end up costing you more money. This is because you will have to pay out of pocket if it breaks or something happens. Your TV also won’t last as long, so you will spend more money in the long run.
Remember that there are a few exceptions. When you take the necessary precautions, then your TV should be safe. But a manufacturer will still void the warranty even if you take these precautions, and there is always that chance.
Should I Install My TV Above The Fireplace?
If you want to install your TV above the fireplace, then go ahead and do it. There are many people out there who put it there, and the TV lasts without any damage or problems. You can have the same experience.
It is important that you take all the necessary precautions to protect your TV so that you don’t have to stress about heat damage. Taking these steps, knowing what heat damage looks like, and knowing what overheating is, should help you protect your TV.
In the end, it is what you decide. Sometimes above the fireplace is the best option aesthetically since the television and the fireplace are usually the centers of the room. You just have to figure out what is best for you.
Outro
Protecting your television can be easy. These few steps can make all the difference in making your TV last longer without any issues. Heat is tricky and can damage your TV without you really noticing. It is always good to take precautions when it comes to protection.
