Mounting a TV Over Your Fireplace

Mounting a television above a fireplace has quickly become one of the most popular choices for interior design since the introduction of flat-screen televisions. If you want to get the most out of your screen while still maintaining the aesthetic appeal of an over-the-hearth television, there are a few things you need to think about before installing one.

Burns from Heat
The heat that is coming from your fireplace might potentially cause harm to the electrical components that are in your television if they are not designed to withstand heat. Electronics function most effectively at lower temperatures, and if the temperature around your TV continues to increase, the TV’s more fragile components may start to degrade, which might result in electrical shorts and a shorter lifespan for the device.

The television’s warranty could not cover the damage caused by the heat. It is possible that the manufacturer will refuse to repair or replace it if the damage was caused by the heat from the fireplace. Check to see if the warranty on your television will be invalidated if it sustains heat damage or if you put it over a fireplace in the first place. You should do this before mounting the television.

There are some things to think about if you still enjoy the aesthetic of a TV mounted above a fireplace. Mounted electronics might be protected against damage by fireplaces that include a heat shield in the form of a mantel, a powerful blower, or a low overall heat output, or any combination of these characteristics.

You may determine whether the temperature in your fireplace is too high for a TV to be mounted there by affixing a thermometer to the wall in the desired spot for the screen. Take precautions to ensure that the temperature in that area does not approach or go over about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is lower than that threshold, there is a chance that mounting it will be achievable.

Neck Strain
The viewer may experience neck discomfort from craning their necks to obtain a good look at the screen if the TV is set over a gas fireplace because it is situated much above eye level. This bad posture can cause the neck to become stiff, and if it is maintained for an extended period of time, it may also induce headaches and other types of muscular discomfort throughout the body.

People who do not wish to crane their necks to observe televisions that have been positioned at this angle may instead stare directly up at the screen with their eyes. Although this may alleviate the discomfort caused by improper posture, it might cause the eyes to get dry and strain the muscles in the eyelids.

Utilizing a mount that allows for complete mobility for the television is one approach to resolving this issue. You can easily lower the TV down to viewing level when you’re using it, and then move it straight back to its spot above the mantel when you’re through with it. If you have one of these mounts, you can accomplish this.

However, there is a potential downside to using this strategy. When you lower the TV to eye level, you position it such that it is directly in front of the heat coming from the fireplace. This puts the TV at risk of being damaged by the heat. You could acquire a tilting wall mount for the television so that it isn’t directly in front of the fireplace; but, this will not help the neck strain nearly as much as the other option.

Poor Viewing Angle
The viewing angle of a television affects not just the color but also the visual quality and resolution. Digital televisions manufactured nowadays have a viewing angle that is restricted in design. This means that the picture quality is optimal when viewed from the “sweet spot,” but degrades significantly when viewed from an off-kilter position. When you look at the image on your screen from an incorrect angle, it will appear washed out and lifeless.

Again, the solution to this issue is to mount your television to the wall using a full motion mount so that you can make the most of your display. This will allow you to get the most out of your television. However, because your screen will be placed immediately in front of the heat coming from your fireplace, this option puts your screen at danger of being damaged by heat.

All these reminders are best practiced when you are also assured of having a reliable company at your side. Contact Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today for Chimney Cleaning Glencoe and repairing.

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