How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a TV Antenna?

Average Cost to Repair or Replace a TV Antenna

TV Antenna Repair and Replace Cost

Expect to pay between $160 and $240 to have a professional repair your TV antenna. However, the cost to install a new TV antenna reaches about $300 just to replace the antenna or about $100 more than to repair it. Remember, you may also need to replace your antenna if it simply doesn't do a good job of picking up TV signals.

A professional will come to your home and inspect your antenna and cables to determine the problem and whether repair or replacement is the best call. It shouldn't take them more than a couple of hours to finish the job.

TV Antenna Repair and Replace Cost Factors

The amount you'll spend on TV antenna repair or replacement will generally depend on four key factors.

Repair or Replace

A repair is cheaper and will generally save you about $100. Repairing or replacing is the biggest factor in influencing price.

Unidirectional or Multidirectional

There are two types of antennas: unidirectional or multidirectional. If you decide to replace the antenna, a significant factor affecting price is whether the antenna is unidirectional or multidirectional. Unidirectional antennas must aim toward the signal source, while multi-directional units can accept signals from multiple directions.

Indoor or Outdoor

Indoor antennas cost between $10 and $75, while outdoor antennas cost up to $300. So, while indoor antennas don't have the range or quality of outdoor antennas, they will save you a lot of money compared to outdoor antennas.

Amplified or Non-Amplified

Unamplified antennas cost $30 to $200 and don't require a power source to work (which also means they have to be within 20 miles of a signal). 

Amplified antennas cost an extra $50 to $150 and use a power source to amplify the signal of incoming stations. If you don't have a power source at the antenna installation source, plan on additional cost for hiring an electrician to add one—between $150 and $300.

DIY vs. Hire a TV Antenna Installation Pro

TV antenna repair and replacement is tempting to do on your own rather than have a professional come out. And in some cases, that's fine, especially if you know the basics of TV installation and just need to replace a small component or do some other simple repair to get it working again.

But TV antennas can be finicky and frustrating. You may struggle to get the signal you're looking for, or the picture is of poor quality. You may be getting a lot of feedback from signals you don't want. Or you may be faced with a cable installation that is more difficult than you can handle. In that case, it's time to hire a professional.

A pro can ensure the job is done right, and they are inexpensive for this type of antenna work. You should at least contact a TV antenna installer near you to come out and evaluate your antenna, make a recommendation on what work needs to be done, and provide you with a quote. This will at least give you the info you need before determining whether to do it yourself or hire a professional.

FAQs

Can a TV antenna be repaired?

You can repair a TV antenna in certain circumstances, such as if a lead is broken. However, if the antenna or the cable is damaged, you're probably going to need to look at replacing it.

Why is my antenna not finding channels?

This can be one of the early signs of something wrong with your antenna, such as corrosion or loose fittings. If this is happening to you, get the antenna checked out.

Why is my TV suddenly saying no signal?

This indicates that your signal is weak, and your antenna either needs adjustment to get a better signal or there is damage to the antenna itself. Get a professional to look into it.