Most rooftop and indoor aerials will continue to work after switchover. If you get a good analogue signal now, you should be able to get a good digital signal after switchover.

But a few aerials, between 5% and 10%, may need replacing or upgrading. For instance, if you get poor analogue reception now (a snowy picture) – it probably means your aerial is in poor condition. Or if Freeview is available in your area but you can’t get reception – it may mean you need a different type of aerial.

The average cost of repair or replacement of a standard aerial will vary from £60 to £180. It could be more if you live in a high building or need multiple TVs connected to the aerial. Call the Digital UK helpline (08456 50 50 50) for full details. Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p per minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls from other providers including mobile operators.

You may need an indoor aerial if a rooftop aerial is not an option – if you live in a flat say - or for a second TV without the hassle and expense of extension cables. The cost of indoor aerials ranges from £4 to £40 and their design and performance vary widely too.

Most indoor aerials will work after switchover, but up to half won’t give a reliable picture. To be sure of good reception you should connect to a rooftop aerial.

For more information about indoor aerials, and the results of independent technical tests and home trials visit the Digital TV Ricability website.

How to check your aerial

You can make some advance checks at home to see whether your existing aerial is likely to be good enough for the digital signal. Go to teletext page 284 on any of your home TVs and follow the instructions.

The condition of your aerial may change before switchover, so you’ll need to repeat the test closer to the time.

For more information on testing your existing aerial visit the Digital UK Aerial test page.

If the checks suggests you may need to upgrade or replace your aerial you should get further advice from a good aerial installer.

Finding a good aerial installer

If you think you may need to repair or replace your aerial look for an installer that carries the digital tick logo it means they have been trained and security checked. Only Registered Digital Installers (RDIs) are permitted to use the digital tick logo. 

To find an RDI, visit the RDI website or call the Digital UK information line (08456 50 50 50). Calls provided by BT charged at up to 2p a minute daytime and 0.5p per minute evenings (plus 6p BT connection charge). Rates may vary for calls from other providers including mobile operators. If you can't find one, look for someone with Associate RDI, CAI Plus or Independent Digital Standards Commission (IDSC) status, or ask your electrical retailer.

Avoiding shoddy or expensive aerial work

Never agree to have work done from an aerial installer who calls without an appointment and fails to show identification – see our top tips for avoiding scams.

Reduce the risk of problems by taking the precautions Consumer Direct recommend when choosing tradesmen for any building, repair or improvement work around the home. These include:

• asking family and friends to recommend traders with a good track record
• getting written quotations for the work from at least two traders (but check first whether there’s a call-out charge)
• before work starts, agreeing the price, payment arrangements and start/finish dates
• paying in full for the work only when it’s completed to your satisfaction.

For more tips on choosing reliable traders visit the Consumer Direct website, or call the Consumer Direct helpline 08454 04 05 06. Calls cost 4p per minute from a BT landline; from mobile and non-BT lines call costs may vary.