Flat-Screen TV Repair Cost by Type
The term ‘flat screen’ applies to a wide range of TV types, from LCDs to the latest 4K and Smart models. A flat screen means the TV’s screen surface is flat rather than convex like older models. There can be several different types of flat-screen TVs, from older LCD to the newest Smart and 4K TVs. The type impacts the repair costs because more advanced and expensive TVs have more costly components to replace or fix. In addition, some TV repairs may not always be possible on that type. For example, it is not possible to replace the screen on a plasma TV if it cracks and begins to leak. The table below shows common television types and average repair costs for each:
| Type | Average Repair Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| LCD | $60 - $400 |
| LED | $60 - $400 |
| 4K (Ultra HD) | $100 - $275 |
| OLED | $100 - $400 |
| Plasma | $100 - $400 |
| Smart | $100 - $400 |
LCD TV Screen Repair Price
Repairs for LCD TVs cost between $60 and $400. LCD televisions are one of the most popular options on the market, available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They use an LCD (liquid crystal display) with backlights to produce images. The backlights, screen, and other components may get damaged over time and need repairing.
LED TV Repair Cost
LED TV repairs range from $60 to $400, depending on the scale of the problem. LED televisions are a specific type of LCD TV that use LED backlights to illuminate the liquid crystal display. These TVs usually produce more colorful and vibrant images and are more energy-efficient, but the LED backlights may need to be repaired or replaced over time.
4K TV Screen Repair Cost
4K TV repairs range from $100 to $275. A 4K television provides some of the clearest and most detailed images because of the very high resolution of its screen, providing more engaging viewing experiences. There are different types of 4K TVs, including some that use LED and others that use OLED. Basically, a television is considered 4K if it has ultra high definition. These models can be expensive to purchase and repair, but in many cases, repairs may not be possible on these units. So, their overall repair costs may be lower simply because some repairs may not be offered.
OLED TV Repair Cost
OLED TV repairs cost between $100 and $400 on average. They are the next step up from a standard LED TV, with OLED standing for organic light-emitting diodes. OLED televisions can achieve deeper blacks and higher contrast compared to standard LED screens. However, they can be very expensive to purchase and repair.
Plasma TV Repair Cost
Plasma TV repairs average $100 to $400. These televisions are made up of pixels filled with gas that light up when an electrical current is applied. They are less popular today, and most companies have stopped making them. But they can still be found in many homes and are subject to problems like screen burn and distorted colors. While some repairs on these TVs are possible, many issues cannot be repaired due to their design.
Smart TV Repair Cost
Smart TV repairs cost between $100 and $400. These TVs have Smart technology and connect with your home’s WiFi network to download updates and access apps and the internet. They are more advanced than other TVs but still have various components that can break and require repairs. Many Smart TVs can have basic components. So even though they may be more expensive to purchase, they are not necessarily the most expensive to repair. That comes down to how the television is made and what makes it Smart.
TV Repair Cost by Type of Repair
TVs are made up of various parts and components, all working together to produce lights, colors, pictures, and sounds for your entertainment. Over time, accidents may happen that damage these parts, or they might just wear down over the years through repeated use. The table below shows common TV repairs and the costs for each.
| Type of Repair | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| HDMI Port | $60 - $250 |
| Speaker | $75 - $250 |
| Backlight | $100 - $150 |
| Inverter | $100 - $200 |
| Water Damage | $150 - $400 |
| Screen | $200 - $400 |
| Panel | $200 - $400 |
| Power Board | $200 - $400 |
TV Repair HDMI Port Cost
HDMI port repairs for a TV costs between $60 and $250. Sometimes, HDMI ports fall out of position and may simply need to be repositioned. In other cases, one might stop working due to a more serious fault and require technical repair work.
TV Speaker Repair Cost
TV speaker repairs range from $75 to $250, depending on the type and damage done to the speaker. Faulty speakers may simply need rewiring or minor adjustments, or they could need to be cleaned or replaced, so the exact costs and amount of work vary.
Backlight TV Repair Cost
Backlight repairs average $100 to $150. The backlight is what illuminates the display of your television, providing the brightness and color. It may be in the form of LED light strips or fluorescent lights, depending on which television type you have. If these lights develop a problem, a repairman must open it up and make adjustments to get them functioning again.
TV Inverter Repair Cost
TV inverter repairs cost between $100 and $200 each. The inverter powers up the backlights for your television, and they can stop working if their capacitors break down. Repairs are made by fitting new capacitors in place.
TV Water Damage Repair Cost
Water damage repairs on a TV range from $150 to $400. In some cases, if too much water has gotten into the TV, it may be beyond repair. In less severe situations, a repairman will take the television apart, dry it out, and put it back together successfully, repairing any damaged components.
Cost to Fix a TV Screen
TV screen repairs cost between $200 and $400, but in many cases, repairing the screen is not possible. Since the screen is usually the most expensive part of the television and one of the most sensitive to impacts and other damage, an expert may advise you to simply buy a new television instead of having it repaired. It is worth getting a diagnosis if the screen issue is not too severe because issues like flashing pixels or distorted colors may be fixable.
TV Panel Repair Cost
TV panel repairs average $200 to $400 in some cases, but some panels cannot be repaired. For this reason, many companies do not offer panel repair. So if your television gets a crack in the panel, you may be better off buying a new unit instead.
TV Power Board Repair Cost
Power board repairs cost between $200 and $400. The power supply board allows it to turn on and function, and if it breaks down in any way, it may simply stop turning on. Often, a repairman can replace some of the capacitors and make other adjustments to repair a faulty board, rather than having to replace it entirely.
TV Repair Prices by Type of Replacement
In some cases, your TV components may not be able to be repaired, or it might be more cost-effective to replace them with new ones. The repair price includes the cost of new parts, plus the labor required to fit them into place and remove the broken components. While some components can be replaced, they may be extremely expensive or cost-prohibitive to do so. This is mainly in the case of panels and screens because they often contain too many parts to replace on their own. The table below shows average costs for a variety of common replacements:
| Replacement Part | Average Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| Fuse | $60 - $150 |
| Capacitor | $60 - $200 |
| Bulb | $75 - $200 |
| Backlight | $100 - $200 |
| Picture Tube | $200 - $300 |
| HDMI Port | $200 - $300 |
| Motherboard | $200 - $400 |
| Screen | $400 - $1,000+ |
| Panel | $400 - $5,000+ |
TV Fuse Replacement Cost
Fuse replacement in a TV costs between $60 and $150 and is one of the easier replacement jobs for a repairman. Glass and ceramic fuses on your TV’s power supply board may blow in certain situations and need replacing. To replace a fuse, the repairman opens the TV to access the power panel and swaps out the fuse.
TV Capacitor Replacement Cost
Replacing a TV capacitor is inexpensive, starting at $60 up to $200. If more than one capacitor needs replacing, it is usually less expensive to replace the entire board. Capacitors cannot be repaired, so replacement is the only option.
TV Bulb Replacement Cost
TV bulb replacement costs average $75 to $200. Bulbs are usually found only in older models of LCD TVs or projection TVs. They are used to illuminate the display so that the picture can be seen. Bulbs are relatively easy to replace, but the material costs are a little higher with bulbs when compared to other components, leading to varied replacement prices from model to model.
TV Backlight Replacement Cost
TV backlight replacements cost between $100 and $200 on average, depending on the television size and scale and the type and number of lights required. If you have LED lights, parts may be more expensive, leading to higher total costs. Usually when backlight problems occur, the bulbs or diodes are dead and need to be replaced.
Cost to Replace a TV Picture Tube
Picture tube replacements range from $200 to $300 on average. Picture tubes, also known as cathode ray tubes or CRTs, are only used in older TVs. So, this is not a replacement job you need to worry about with an LED or LCD TV.
Cost of Replacing an HDMI Port on a TV
HDMI port replacement on a TV costs between $200 and $300. Damaged or broken ports may simply stop working or be incompatible with certain HDMI cables. In this case, a new port must be fitted and connected to the circuit board, requiring a couple of hours of labor.
TV Motherboard Replacement
TV motherboard replacements average $200 to $400. Often when a problem occurs with a motherboard, it needs to be completely replaced rather than repaired. The motherboard controls the TV’s functions and features, and a broken motherboard makes your television completely unusable.
TV Screen Replacement Cost
TV screen replacement costs at least $400 to $1,000 and often much more. The screen is the most expensive part of a TV. So usually, the cost of replacing it is higher than just buying a new unit. In some cases, this is because the screen cannot be replaced without also replacing most of the other components, particularly for TVs like LED, LCD, or plasma. Most professional repair companies do not offer screen or panel replacement as a service.
TV Panel Replacement Cost
TV panel replacement costs a minimum of $400 to $5,000 and often a lot more on some of the high-end 4K and Smart screen displays. Because the cost of a replacement panel is so high, it is usually more cost-effective to simply purchase a new television. Like the screen, this is due to the number of components involved. Therefore, most repair places will not offer panel replacement as a service.
TV Repair Prices by Problem
You might not know exactly which part of your TV is broken or damaged at first. The symptoms of a broken television vary from vertical colored lines across the screen to audio issues, power problems, and even situations where the television starts normally but then turns itself off. For this reason, most repairs start with a diagnostic so that the problem can be found and a plan made for repair. For some repairs to be made, the part will need to be replaced, while in other cases, repair or replacement of that part may not be possible. The table below shows common problems and average repair costs for each.
| Problem | Average Repair Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| TV Will Not Turn On | $60 - $400 |
| Damaged Cables | $75 - $200 |
| No Sound | $75 - $400 |
| Screen Lights Up and Goes Blank | $100 - $200 |
| Vertical Lines | $150 - $400 |
| Horizontal Lines | $150 - $400 |
| Cracked Screen | $400 - $1,000+ |
Television Will Not Turn On
Repairing a TV that will not turn on costs between $60 and $400 because there are many potential causes. It might be something as simple as a blown fuse, which can be replaced quite cheaply. Or, it could be a motherboard or power supply issue, which is more costly to fix.
Damaged Cables
Damaged cables on your TV can be repaired for between $75 and $200 in most cases. Over time, cables can get frayed, twisted, or broken, but professionals can cut away the damaged parts, add in new connectors and repair the damage, or simply replace the bad cables with new ones.
No Sound on a TV
Expect to pay between $75 and $400 to repair a television with no sound. There are various reasons why your TV’s sound stopped working. It is most likely a fault with a speaker, which can be repaired or replaced. Or, it could be a deeper issue associated with the motherboard, which may also need fixing or replacing.
Image Shows Up Momentarily and Then the Screen Goes Blank
Repairs for this problem cost between $100 and $200. If your TV’s picture appears for a moment and then vanishes, it is most likely an issue with the inverter. A repairman will open it up, diagnose the issue, and decide on the most efficient solution.
Vertical Lines on a TV Screen
Repairing vertical lines on the screen averages $150 to $400. This is usually an issue associated with your TV’s control board or motherboard, which may be damaged and need to be either repaired or replaced. It could also be caused by a loose cable, but it will need to be opened up to diagnose the issue and repair it.
Horizontal Lines on a TV
Repairing horizontal lines on your TV costs between $150 and $400. It might be an issue with the motherboard, or it could be a problem with loose cables between the panel and the control board. To fix this issue, the television needs to be opened up and analyzed by a professional repairman.
Cracked TV Screen
Repairing a cracked TV screen costs from $400 to $1,000 or even more. Cracked screens cannot be repaired, they can only be replaced, and they are very expensive, sometimes exceeding the cost of a new TV. For this reason, if you have a cracked screen, it will probably have to be replaced entirely.
TV Repair Cost by Brand
There are many different brands and companies that make TVs. Some brands specialize in certain types, while others make a wider range of products. It is common for the brand to impact the cost of repair because there may be specific issues or costs related to that brand.
While you may choose a specific brand based on the technology, cost, or resolution, keep in mind that brands may also have varying costs for repairs and the repairs types that may be available. Regardless of brand, most TV repairs fall between $60 and $400, although some repairs may be higher.
| Brand | Repair Costs (Labor Included) |
|---|
| Philips | $60 - $100 |
| Sony | $60 - $400 |
| TCL | $60 - $400 |
| Samsung | $75 - $200 |
| LG | $75 - $400 |
| Hisense | $100 - $200 |
| Panasonic | $200 - $400 |
| Vizio | $200 - $400 |
Philips TV Repair Cost
The cost to fix a Philips TV is $60 to $100. The typical issue with Philips televisions seems to be that they have a mind of their own. They turn on and off and sign in and out of apps randomly. While a solution doesn’t seem to be forthcoming, Philips is steadily losing customers due to a firmware problem.
Sony TV Repair Cost
Fixing a Sony TV will cost you about $60 to $400. This popular brand has a reputation for simply becoming disabled with no power or sound. Unfortunately, the customer service at Sony isn’t always the best. Customers are often frustrated when it comes to warranty work.
TCL TV Repair Cost
To fix your TCL TV blank screen, you should expect to pay about $60 to $400. One characteristic repair of the TCL brand is a black screen with no picture. This can be a fuse that has blown, or it may require a major change, such as a new main board.
Samsung TV Repair Cost
Damaged cables can cause a TV to flicker or grow dim. Repair prices for damaged cables are $75 to $200. Samsung TV owners cite this flickering or dimming of the screen as a common issue with this brand. Sometimes the settings for the eco sensor 1 or the energy-saving feature create this problem. Turning either of those off may fix the issue.
LG TV Repair Cost
Some of the most common issues with this brand are banding at a repair cost of $100 to $200 or sound with a cost of $150 to $400. Color problems may be related to adjustment and can be fixed for a low cost of $75 to $100, HDMI connections are often fixed at the cost of $200 to $300, and streaming problems may be corrected with a software update. Software updates can be done by the owner, but a repairman will most likely charge a minimum fee of $75 to $100. Banding presents as sections of bands where it should be smooth. Sound and color can go out over time in the LG brand. HDMI and streaming can become difficult as technology emerges and changes.
Hisense TV Repair Cost
Hisense TVs have a history of display difficulties and could cost you about $100 to $200. Typically, it means you need a new inverter, or it could signal the beginning of the end for your Hisense television.
Panasonic TV Repair Cost
Panasonic TV owners often experience the power clicking on and off and may need a new main board at the cost of $200 to $400. The reset button may help. The repairman will need to replace the motherboard of the TV if that fails.
Vizio TV Repair Cost
The Vizio TV is known for its screen of death (a blank or black screen) and usually costs about $200 to $400. The problem is most often a blown motherboard, and replacement is the only option. A factory reset may be a solution. If that doesn't work, the motherboard is the best possible answer.
Labor Costs to Repair a TV
Labor costs for TV repair vary depending on whether you have the television repaired in your home or drop it off at a repair center. Having someone come to your home will have higher costs than taking it to a technician.
A television repair technician has earned a career certificate or Associate’s degree in electronics technology or a related field. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 per hour in labor for someone to fix your television. Some technicians have minimum costs for some repairs, particularly if they travel to you. In this case, you may find that even if the repair only takes an hour, you may need to pay a minimum of two hours of work.
The amount of time to repair your TV depends on what the problem is and the availability of parts. Most jobs can be completed in 1 to 3 hours when the parts are on hand.
Most technicians charge you a diagnostic fee upfront. This fee is for determining what the problem is and can run between $75 and $150. The cost is often waived if you allow the shop’s technicians to make the repairs for you.
Replacing vs Repairing a Television
Often, you must decide whether it is worth repairing your TV because in many situations, the cost of repairs is higher than the price of a new TV. For example, when screens are cracked or damaged, the cost of replacing a panel is usually much higher than simply buying a new TV.
Consumer Reports recommends replacing electronics whenever the cost of repairs equals or exceeds half the cost of a new purchase. It is also recommended that you replace your television if the new version is less than $200, or if your screen is smaller than 32”. For example, it costs around $150 for a new motherboard in an LG Model 24LF452B 24” TV, which takes around one hour to repair. As a result, you would pay between $190 and $210 to repair your old set, while it is possible to purchase a new one for less.
If you invested a lot of money in your television, the costs of repairing an inverter or getting new backlights may be far cheaper than replacing it. This is why it is often best to ask a professional to diagnose the problem and give you a quote for the repair work. Then, you can compare the price of repairs against the cost of a new TV and decide what makes sense. If your TV breaks down repeatedly, you have multiple repair bills over the course of a year. It might be time for a new television even if a single repair does not seem too expensive.
Maintenance
To minimize repairs and help your TV stay in working order for as long as possible, take care of it as well as you can. Here are some useful TV maintenance tips:
- Do not leave the TV on if you are not actually watching it. They can run for tens of thousands of hours, but there is no need to waste those hours. So, avoid leaving it on in the background, and make sure to turn it off when you leave the room.
- Try not to leave your TV on for too long at a time. Like other appliances, televisions can start to get very hot the longer they are left on. They need to be turned off now and then to get a chance to cool down and rest before being switched back on.
- Keep your TV clean. Over time, dust, pet hair, and bits of dirt can build up on the screen and get inside the television via vents and ports. This dust accumulation can affect a TV’s operation and make it more likely to break down.
- Consider using a surge protector to keep your TV and associated devices and appliances safe. This can be especially important in areas that experience a lot of storms or frequent power cuts because sudden cuts and surges easily damage your TV’s components.
- When positioning your television, leave space around it to provide airflow. This helps prevent the TV from overheating and cools it down more quickly when you turn it off.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- DIY. In some cases, television repair can be performed as a DIY project. There are numerous how-to videos available that are easy to watch and understand. Parts for most sets are also available online. However, if you are not comfortable with the process, always call a technician rather than attempting the repair yourself.
- DIY issues. While DIY repair is often possible, it is not frequently recommended. There is some risk of electrocution, and you might also damage the TV even more by improperly installing a t-con board or ribbon connectors. If you are in doubt, it is best to leave this job to a professional.
- Obvious solutions. Before seeking repairs, first look for the obvious. If your set will not power on, it could be a problem with your outlet and not your TV. Try plugging your television into a different outlet to see if that resolves the problem. If that does not fix it, ensure you have not tripped a breaker, and check that the power cord is fully seated.
- Remote control. A set that powers on and off at random is sometimes caused by issues with the remote. Try removing and replacing the batteries or using a different remote if possible.
- Warranty. When purchasing a new television, buying an extended warranty can spare you the unwanted expense of repair bills in some cases. An extended warranty is largely based on the price of your television. Expect to spend between 10 and 20 percent of your set’s cost on an extended warranty to help cover damage. Ordinary warranties only cover manufacturer’s defects and, therefore, cannot be used to pay for damage due to neglect or accidents.
- Warranty repairs. When having warranty repairs made, drop the set off at a local shop whenever possible or have them come to you. If you need to ship the television off, get a tracking number so that you can locate your set if it gets lost.
- Scams. Television repair scams are quite common. Before hiring someone to fix your set, find out what experience and training that person has. Check references and online reviews as well.
- In-shop repairs. In-shop TV repair services may involve a pick-up and delivery charge if you do not take it in yourself. While some may do this for free, others charge between $40 and $75 to pick-up and deliver the TV back to you. Additionally, customers that live in rural areas may have to ship the television. If you do this, make sure you obtain a tracking number and proof of delivery. The repair service will contact you with the list of recommended repairs and the cost and request a debit or credit card to pay for the repairs before completing them.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to repair a TV?
Television repair costs vary widely, but the average consumer pays between $100 and $300. Prices depend on the make, model, and size of your set, as well as the availability of parts. It is generally more expensive to repair an older model than it would be to replace it. New televisions are becoming more affordable every year, but the price of parts remains steady or even increases as older parts become rarer.
- Can a flat-screen TV be fixed?
Yes, flat-screen TVs can frequently be fixed, including issues with the screen, sound, lighting, cables, and interior components. However, there are some situations where flat-screen TVs cannot be fixed, such as when the screen is severely cracked.
- How do you fix a broken TV screen?
Not all TV screens can be fixed or replaced. Certain types have components behind the screen that can be damaged by its removal. However, if you choose to proceed, remove all external cables, unplug your set, and lay it face down on a flat, soft surface. Remove any screws holding the frame in place and then gently remove the frame and set it aside. Put your new screen in place and reconnect the internal cables in the same manner you disconnected them. It is usually best to get a professional to handle TV repairs, and the cost of replacement screens is often very high. So, it may be more cost-effective to get a new TV.
- How many years will a flat-screen TV last?
This depends on the make and model of your TV and your viewing habits. Many modern TVs last 60,000 viewing hours or more, equating to 30+ years for a typical person. However, its lifespan can be reduced if it is not properly maintained and cared for.
- Does turning the TV off shorten its life?
No, turning a TV off will not usually shorten its life in any way. It is actually recommended to turn TVs off when you are not using them, allowing them to cool down and extend their lifespan.
- Is it okay to leave a TV on all night?
This is not recommended. If you leave a TV on for too long, it may overheat, which could damage interior components like the motherboard. It may also do damage to the screen and risk ‘burning’ an image into the display, as well as damaging the backlights.
- Do Smart TVs use more electricity?
Generally, no. Most modern Smart TVs are designed to be as energy-efficient as possible, with some models even using less energy than conventional TVs. It all depends on the TV make and model.
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