TV Mounted Above Fireplace

is it safe to use fireplace and not ruin TV? Did not have picture with my previous post. Need to know width of mantle to help divert heat away from TV. Also plan on using half stone to change the look.
  13 answers
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 12, 2013
    The code clearance for many wood stoves is 16 to 18" from the firebox opening. You however have a gas stove so these many be shorter. Have you "tested" how hot the location is when the fireplace runs? Personally I would not install an expensive electronic device in a "hot zone" (by hot I mean anything over 75 or 80 degrees) Heat and electronic are a bad mix ( this is one issue that plagued early "entertainment centers" ...a lack of ventilation) A mantle will help to some degree, but the bottom line will be how often the fireplace is used. We run our wood stove pretty much 24 / for 6 months of the year. The nearest electronic are three feet to the side.
  • you need to check both the manufactures requirements and the local codes for distances from mantles and the firebox. And from the TV to the fireplace. On the left side of the fireplace is a metal tag that has manufactures model and brand. Check their web site for more information on installation clearance requirements.
  • Roberta Eagleston Roberta Eagleston on Sep 12, 2013
    thank you
  • Theresa D Theresa D on Sep 12, 2013
    I don't know about all that other stuff they were talking about, lol, but my best friend has her setup exactly like yours and she uses the fireplace with no problem.
  • Roberta Eagleston Roberta Eagleston on Sep 12, 2013
    thats good to know. Thanks!!
  • John John on Sep 13, 2013
    I have read several articles indicating it is not a good idea to mount a television above a fireplace. The reason has to do with the height of the television and nothing about heat or the impact to the life of the television. If the television is mounted too high, an uncomfortable viewing angle is created. The recommendation is to have the television at a comfortable eye level when the viewer is seated.
  • HandyPro of York HandyPro of York on Sep 13, 2013
    Thousands have set their televisions up like you are describing. There is really no problem with it. I am assuming you have a fan in the fireplace that forces the hot air into the room not just up. Just get those cords away from the front of it!
  • HandyPro of York HandyPro of York on Sep 13, 2013
    Sorry, I didn't answer the other part of your question. I am not aware of any "standardized" mantel depth, or width; however, there may be some codes in your area stating how high above the fireplace it can be placed relative to its depth. You may want to check local codes. With regard to the depth of a mantel somewhere between 7 and 9 inches is what I usually see.
  • Roberta Eagleston Roberta Eagleston on Sep 13, 2013
    thank you.
  • Bonnie Lewenza Bonnie Lewenza on Sep 16, 2013
    It looks to me that the heat from the fire place is distributed from the bottom, if this is the case the it should be alright the way you have it. However if you are concerned about it you have enough space there between the two you could make a shelf to stand in as a mantle. This way it should block the heat from reaching the tv.
    • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Sep 16, 2013
      @Bonnie Lewenza Most gas stoves like this have a blower where the air enters the bottom vents and is blown out the top.
  • Roberta Eagleston Roberta Eagleston on Sep 16, 2013
    thanks. I thought it would be okay but needed other opinions.
  • Michele Michele on Sep 16, 2013
    I dont know about the codes but I have a large open hearth fireplace and have fires smokin hot all winther long. I have my TV above on the mantle for the past 4 years now without any problems. Its great!
  • Roberta Eagleston Roberta Eagleston on Sep 16, 2013
    thank you ! I won't be concerned about heating the TV:)