It can be very frustrating if you're experiencing poor TV signal, especially if you can't access some of your favourite channels. It might be time for a new TV aerial - but as the world turns to online viewing more and more, how much does TV aerial installation cost?
How much does it cost to install a new TV aerial in the UK?
The cost to have a new TV aerial installed, luckily, doesn't have to break the bank. For an average outdoor aerial system, it will set you back around £275, but costs will differ depending on where you are located in the country and what kind of aerial you want.
HaMuch has a large database of hourly and daily rates for aerial installers across the country, but these are the average costs:
|
Job type |
Average cost |
|
Outdoor aerial system installation |
£275 |
|
Indoor aerial system installation |
£220 |
|
Replace existing aerial |
£100 |
|
Extra TV socket |
£110 |
TV aerial supply costs
If you're interested in how much a television aerial and all the fixtures and fittings cost, here are the average prices:
|
Item |
Average cost |
|
TV aerial with pole and bracket |
£150 |
|
Budget indoor digital aerial system |
£150 |
|
Budget Freesat box to receive satellite signal |
£70 |
What will affect the cost of getting a TV aerial installed?
There are a few things that will affect the cost of your TV aerial installation:
Current installation condition
If you already have a TV aerial and just want to replace it, you might find that the cost is lower. However, this depends on the condition of the cables you currently have and whether they can be used with your new aerial. If they can’t, or they’re in bad condition, you’ll have to pay for new cables which will increase the cost.
Type of aerial
There are 3 main types of aerials: indoor, loft or outdoor. Which one you need will depend on where you live and how strong a signal you can get.
Indoor aerial
Indoor aerials can work well if you live in a built-up urban area with lots of local transmitters. If you live on the outskirts of a town or in a more rural area, you’ll probably need an outdoor aerial to pick up signal.
Indoor aerials are the cheapest type of aerial, so are good if you’re on a budget, but bear in mind that you will need to find somewhere suitable for it to sit next to your TV where it won’t get knocked over - sometimes difficult if you have children or pets!
Loft TV aerial
Loft aerials are a great option if you can get a medium to strong TV signal. It generally costs less to install loft aerials because the installer won’t have to climb on your roof, making it quicker and safer.
Another benefit to in-loft aerials is that they are kept out of sight, which lots of homeowners prefer.
Outdoor aerial
The most reliable, and therefore most expensive, type of aerial is an outdoor aerial. They will help you get the strongest signal and help you access as many channels as you can.
There are lots of different types of outdoor aerial, and which one you need will depend on the signal strength in your area and the number of TV points you have. Your installer will be able to recommend the best outdoor aerial for you.
Are indoor aerials any good?
Indoor aerials are good, and they have certainly improved in quality and looks over the years. Instead of the typical ‘rabbit ear’ antenna that sat on top of your TV, you can now get indoor aerials that are flatter, looking more like a wifi router than a traditional aerial.
It’s worth remembering that you’re only likely to get a good signal from an indoor aerial if you live in a city or large built-up urban area where there are lots of masts and transmitters for your aerial to pick up. You might struggle to access all channels with a good picture otherwise.
Is it worth getting a new TV aerial?
If you still want to watch live TV through your TV rather than through an online streaming platform, then it’s definitely worth getting a new TV aerial installed if your current one is failing. You can’t watch live TV without one.
However, if you believe that you can cope with simply using online streaming services, you might decide that it’s not worth installing a TV aerial. But, bear in mind that if there is a problem with your internet connection then you’ll be left without a way to access TV programmes.
Can I install a TV aerial myself?
It is possible to install some TV aerials yourself. Indoor aerials are pretty simple to install and often are as easy as ‘plug and play’. Similarly, if you have a bit of electrical knowledge and are comfortable, you may be able to install a loft aerial yourself.
However, we strongly recommend against trying to install an outdoor aerial yourself. Scaling a roof and working at height is not for the faint-hearted, and if you slip and fall you could seriously injure yourself.
Plus, there are often factors that make it difficult to install an aerial on your roof that wouldn’t be obvious from the ground. If you don’t secure the aerial properly, you might not get a strong signal or your aerial could even fall off the roof, injuring someone below or causing damage to your home.
Does a smart TV need an aerial?
Yes, a smart TV still needs an aerial if you wish to access live TV channels through the TV itself. The aerial picks up the signals from masts and towers to show live TV in your home, so without one it won't work.
If you just want to use your smart TV for apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, you won't need an aerial. However, if you're watching any live TV through BBC iPlayer, you will still need a TV Licence.
If you're ready for a new aerial installation, make sure you get a range of quotes to ensure you're getting the best price. There are a lot of rogue installers out there, so beware of very low or very high prices. Use HaMuch to get quotes from trusted TV aerial installers in your local area.