TVs are getting cheaper every year, which makes the repair-vs-replace question trickier than ever. A cracked screen on a mid-range 55-inch TV might cost more to fix than a brand new set. But not all faults are terminal — backlight failures, power board issues, and HDMI port faults are all repairable at a fraction of replacement cost, and worth investigating before you write off a good panel.
Average UK labour and parts costs — always get multiple quotes from local engineers.
Modern LED TVs typically last 7–10 years before picture quality degrades or faults develop. OLED TVs are expected to last longer — 10–15+ years — but can be expensive to repair. The actual panel (the screen itself) has a rated life of 60,000–100,000 hours of use.
Screen damage (cracks, breaks) is rarely worth repairing — screen replacements often cost as much as a new TV. For everything else — backlights, boards, ports — repair is usually worth it if the TV is under 5 years old and the fault costs less than 40% of a replacement. Beyond 6–7 years, newer TVs offer significantly better picture quality and energy efficiency.
Not sure what to do? Use the free calculator above — answer a few quick questions about your tv and get a personalised repair vs replace verdict in under a minute.
Understanding your TV's display technology helps you judge whether a repair is worthwhile. Standard LED TVs (also called LCD TVs with LED backlighting) are the most common and affordable type in UK homes. Backlight and board repairs on these models are generally cost-effective. OLED TVs — sold by LG, Sony, and others — offer superior picture quality with self-emitting pixels, but replacement panels are expensive and typically only available through the manufacturer. QLED TVs, primarily from Samsung, use quantum dot technology on an LED backlight and fall between the two in terms of repair costs. As a rule of thumb, the more premium the display technology, the higher the repair cost — but also the higher the replacement cost, which can make repairs on premium sets more justifiable.
Modern TVs are significantly more energy efficient than those from even five years ago. A typical 55-inch LED TV uses around 60–90 watts, costing roughly £15–£25 per year to run at current UK electricity rates (assuming 4–5 hours of daily use). Older plasma TVs — still in some UK homes — can use 200–400 watts, costing £50–£100 per year. OLED TVs are moderately efficient, while QLED models vary. Since 2021, the UK has adopted the rescaled energy label (A to G), and most new TVs rate between E and G under this stricter system. If your current TV is over 8 years old and you watch several hours daily, the energy savings from a modern replacement can offset a meaningful portion of the purchase price over time.
It depends on the fault. Cracked screens rarely make sense to repair — replacement screens often cost nearly as much as a new TV. But backlight failures, power issues, and board faults typically cost £70–£180 to fix and are well worth it on a TV under 5 years old.
TV repairs in the UK typically cost £50–£200 for board and backlight faults. Screen replacements for large TVs can run £200–£400+, often making replacement more sensible. Always get a diagnosis quote first — many repair shops charge £30–£50 just to assess the fault.
LED TVs typically last 7–10 years. OLED TVs are rated for longer but can be costly to repair. Budget TVs often degrade faster — backlights dimming and picture quality dropping within 5–6 years.
A dark or dim screen on an LED TV is almost always backlight failure — the LEDs that illuminate the LCD panel have degraded or failed. This is a very common and repairable fault, typically costing £80–£180 to fix.
Repair cost estimates are UK averages sourced from Checkatrade, Which?, and MyBuilder. Prices include labour and VAT. Always get at least two quotes from qualified tradespeople before proceeding with any repair.
Not what you were looking for? Try one of these related repair vs replace calculators:
Join thousands of UK homeowners. Get money-saving advice, cost guides, and appliance lifespan tips straight to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.