Expert: James Ball - 12/10/2008

Question
Hi, James.
I have a house built in the late 50s. The brick fireplace has four vents in the front. Two just above the opening and two close to the ceiling. The bottom two send out hot air while it seems the top two are used as intakes. My question is this. I recently installed a flat screen TV above the mantel but am now afraid the heat coming from the lower vents will damage the electronics in the TV. I would like to just close up the vents. Any problem in doing that? Thanks, Robert

Answer
Hello Robert, 1st I am not a big fan of TV's over a fireplace, second what you are describing in your fireplace sounds like a Heatolator, and you can not close those vents or you will trap the heat in the wall (even if this wall is all stone and brick there is still wood around it that could cause a fire) I would say move the TV and enjoy both safely, did you have the Chimney checked by a certified sweep? (www.csia.org)
James