In considering whether you should install a TV above a fireplace or not, you should consider all aspects of TV installation. Below is a step by step guide to installing flat panel LCD TVs or plasma TVs above a fireplace. The guide can also answer questions regarding the safety of TV installation above the fireplace.

A. Do you have plans of using the fireplace after installation? If yes, then continue on reading this guide to learn if you would want to install your TV above your fireplace. On the other hand, if your answer is no, you are able to have your TV installation above your fireplace as long as the wall can support the weight of the TV and wall mount.

B. Use a thermometer above your fireplace on a mantel where you’re going to install your TV. Get your fire going in full blaze for a fair amount of time, if it does not get to or above the TV manufacturer’s heat level recommendation, then you are good to continue with your TV installation . If you do not have a thermometer, get your fireplace blazing hot then touch the wall above it to see if it’s warm to the touch. If it’s too hot to touch, then you will not install your TV there.

C. Another consideration aside from heat above the fireplace willthe mantel wall, you’ll need to know if the facade has brick that is actually a part of your chimney. If it is a part of your chimney, if you’ve done a heat test, it should be hot. Most homes built from the 70’s have facades. If your fireplace has brick facade, heat is forced to small smoke stack that’s insulated from heating the surrounding walls. This can protect you from chipping paints and drywalls from totally deteriorating.

D. When you are not sure, call a professional who is able to determine if you can possibly hang your TV above your fireplace. HD installers have installed more TVs above the fireplace from any other companies in the Toronto area. Most of the time you are able to put an LCD TV above a fireplace, however, HD installers will not install big screen TVs once they determine that it is unsafe and will damage the TV.