When considering the installation of a new aerial, a few factors should come into play. For instance, it’s advisable to replace your aerial if the cables are sticking out. This can be a major problem as it presents the possibility of getting shocked or receiving fewer channels because of the distorted wires.
This guide shall give you an overview of what purchasing an aerial entails and how you can save some money while at it.
- Hire Professional Services.
When installing an outdoor aerial, you’ll have to get on the roof if you want the best reception. This task is risky, and to avoid any accidents, you should seek a professional. They will help you avoid any additional costs that would’ve been incurred as a result of personal negligence as they possess the right tools and protective equipment to prevent any accidents.
- Window Shopping for a New Aerial.
Before deciding on your preferred aerial, inquire from local shops or browse through e-commerce sites to get various offers. In addition, you’ll familiarise yourself with the different aerials in the market and buying a good and inexpensive option will be easy.
Subsequently, if you decide to hire a professional, seek offers from different installers to get diverse price ranges. It will help you clarify what an expert does and how much their services cost. This way, you’re sure to get the best tradesman for the job who falls within your budget.
- Be on The Lookout for Discounts.
Some seasons make stores offer promotions and discounts; for example, Black Friday offers have gained popularity in the past decade. In addition, online and retail stores achieve more sales due to reducing prices by up to 70%. You can take advantage of such opportunities and get an aerial at a low cost, saving you some money. Additionally, you can explore e-commerce sites that have offers on behalf of aerial stores.
Moreover, you can ask for recommendations from your family members and friends. There is a higher chance of a professional charging cheaper after a recommendation.
- Use an Aerial Splitter.
These are used in homes or buildings that have more than one TV. They distribute incoming signals between end receivers. Therefore, you don’t have to buy two aerials. You can share the information from the lone cable to your multiple TVs, which will save money.
- Watch Freeview Channels.
Instead of watching your favourite programs from a cable distributed format, you can watch some of the programs from the internet. With an HDMI cable, you can connect your laptop or phone to your TV and stream the shows.
- Install the TV Aerial Yourself
This is the ultimate way of saving money on installation. After your purchase is made you can save the cost of requesting the services of professional tradesmen and install yourself. This is less common for outdoor aerials as indoor and loft aerials are easy to install.
When installing the aerial, it’s important to ask a few questions to receive the programs on your TV. They include:
- How do I know the location of the signal transmitter?
A transmitter is essential if you’re to receive any channels from your aerial. Therefore, your aerial should always point towards the transmitter. However, if the TV transmitter mast is not visible, align your aerial in the same direction as your neighbours.
- What is the best height for an outdoor aerial?
It’s best to have your aerial 30 feet above the ground to receive maximum signal frequency from the transmitter, especially if you live near the TV mast transmitter. However, if you live further away, have your outdoor aerial at 120 feet off the ground. This height will give you a better chance to receive distant stations that offer you a good reception of programs.
- How does my location affect the signals received?
Over the air signals are distributed via the line-of-sight concept. So, if you’re close to the transmitter towers, the reception will be better than someone in a distant location. This is because hills and trees cause signal interference from TV towers.
- Try Some DIY Hacks for Aerial Installation.
A slight change of position of the aerial due to wind, rain, storm or a bird sitting on the aerial can affect the signal strength. Use these tricks to help you to pick up better signals and save money:
- Wrap your aerial with aluminium foil
It’s an old trick that was used to enhance the chance of receiving signals. Wrapping your aerial with aluminium foil will increase the conductivity and surface area. This will boost the signals that are getting received. However, it can mess up your other signals, but it’s worth a try.
- Find a particular spot for your aerial
This is yet another trick you can use to get better reception. First, identify the station(s) with a weak signal, then turn your aerial in different positions as you try to find a better reception. Once it picks up, you know that your other channels are good to watch.
- Get a Second-hand Aerial.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can purchase a locally used aerial that works well. You can get such offers on an online store that sells used items, a local store that offers trade-ins, or an owner who sold theirs.
- Purchase the Right Aerial.
There are two types of aerials, that is, wideband and grouped aerials. Grouped aerial designs are manufactured to receive a specific range of frequencies while wideband aerials have elements at different spacing and levels. This feature causes them to be the preferred option for most buyers as they can receive a broader range of signals.
- Share With Your Neighbours.
If you live in an apartment or block of flats, you can ask your landlord to set up one aerial for communal use for tenants who use Freeview. This way, you’ll save the cost of buying your own aerial.
Factors Influencing The Cost of Your Aerial?
- Length of the pole – When buying an aerial, the height of your aerial off the ground will play a vital role in the size of your aerial cable.
- Type of cable – There are different types of aerial cables, and they all differ in price.
- Your TV provider – Some TV providers require specific aerials for their users to enjoy the stations.
- Additional costs – If you’re installing an outdoor aerial, drilling may affect your outer wall, requiring some minor detailing.
- You may need to buy an aerial booster – In case of a weak signal, install a signal booster when everything else fails to receive better reception.
