You’ve just had your 50″ UHD TV delivered and you can’t wait to start watching some serious HD telly. You know the perfect spot on the wall that it’s going to go. Then your wife pipes up. “Can you put a tv above a radiator?”.
Sound familiar?
If you’re here you’re probably asking this exact question. The short answer is it’s not a good idea. In fact, it’s a pretty bad idea.
The main reasons for this are:
Modern TVs are highly sensitive and finely tuned instruments.
Extended heat exposure is not advisable. As such putting a TV directly above a radiator could result in:
- Mechanical failure
- Dead pixels
- Internal electronics failure
- Parts of your TV changing in size (you know that cracking sound your old CTR TV used to make at night? That was the metal inside it cooling down and returning to its original shape).
- You could even invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty
So as you can see, it’s really not a good idea to put your TV above a radiator.
But what if you have no option and you don’t have any other wall space? This is a valid question.
Let’s look at some of your options.
First things first. You should check the manual that came with your television set (What do you mean where is it?).
Look for the section that tells you the TV’s heat resistance threshold.
This is likely to be between 10 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius or thereabouts.
The next thing to do is get a thermometer and take the temperature just above your radiator when it is at its hottest.
This should give you an idea of the temperature that your TV will be putting up with.
Let’s now look at some solutions
A shelf above the radiator. Your bog standard simple shelf above the radiator will deflect some heat to a certain extent, but the heat will still rise and affect the front of your set. Especially if the set extends away from the wall, as it probably should at least according to most manufacturer guidelines.
This could result in the front of the TV overheating which could in turn create dead pixels and decrease your viewing experience.
A radiator cover
A radiator cover can be bought for as little as £30 and could solve your problem as well as a few other ones.
Radiator covers generally have a grill at the front allowing heat to radiate from the front more than above the radiator.
Whilst the air above your radiator will still be warm, a radiator cover may be able to reduce the temperature to within a range that could be safer for your TV.
Radiator covers are also safer for small children and pets. Some even come with storage.
Full-motion wall bracket
A full-motion bracket can allow you to tilt, swivel and extend the position of your television on the wall to avoid hot air.
This could allow you to manoeuvre the TV in such a way that it avoids the hottest area near your radiator.
Full motion wall brackets can be purchased starting from around £30.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is inadvisable to mount your television directly above a radiator as it can damage your expensive TV.
If you have limited options and simply must install your TV above the radiator:
Always check your TV manual for maximum operating temperature
Think about using a radiator cover, a full-motion wall bracket or even both together.
And that’s it. Happy viewing and don’t let your TV overheat.