Get Quotes from Top TV Repair Services in Chicago, IL

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a TV Repairman in Chicago

In an increasingly digital era, approximately one-third of Americans still prefer to get news and other important information from their televisions. However, dealing with a faulty TV can be highly frustrating, regardless of if you rely on it for news or use it as a source of family-time entertainment. For an average hourly wage of $27.50, you can spare yourself the time and expense of inevitably unsuccessful DIY repairs by getting a professional TV repair service for the job.

You can find good TV repair services in Chicago that can expertly diagnose any problem with your TV and ensure that it is properly fixed using genuine parts by asking the questions listed below:

Do You Repair All Types of TVs?

Any TV repair technician you hire must be familiar with the brand and model of your faulty TV, especially with regard to the following key components:

  • Screen Type: many contemporary TVs typically have flat or curved screens. Unlike flat screens that usually require you to sit directly in front of the TV to get a good view, curved screens give you a nice view from wherever you are in the room.
  • Technology Type: common TV technologies include:
    • Direct View/Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): these were the first TVs sold commercially. They are typically bulky, with smaller screens than other types of TVs, and use a lot of energy. CRT TVs are considerably less expensive than new-generation TVs, have a higher refresh rate, and can work with any resolution or device
    • Plasma: these provide images that are sharper and more contrasted than those offered by tube TVs. However, the TV's resulting image tends to deteriorate over time. While plasma TVs are relatively affordable, this technology is considered outdated.
    • Digital Light Processing (DLP): these are often lighter, thinner, and more durable than plasma TVs. However, many TV brands no longer utilize this technology for their newer models.
    • Liquid Crystal Display (LCD): these TVs are slim, light, and energy-conservative. However, they typically have slower refresh and response rates than tube and plasma TVs, and their view angles can be poor.
    • Light Emitting Diode (LED): these TVs consume even less power than LCD TVs despite producing sharper and better images. However, they are also more expensive. Newer versions of this technology exist, including OLED, QLED, and AMOLED TVs, and they provide even better images than regular LED TVs while consuming less power.
  • Extra Features: these include brand and model-specific features like Ultra-High Definition, Voice Activation, High Dynamic Range, and Smart TV/internet connectivity

Always make sure that the TV repairman you choose to hire is qualified to handle the specific brand and model of TV you possess and expertly resolve any issues with it. You should also ensure that you get a written agreement or service contract for the job before any repairs begin.

Do You Deal with All the Brands of TV?

You can easily find a variety of TV brands in Chicago, such as

Brand Highlights Drawbacks Calling Card
Samsung Impressive TV quality
4K & 8K options
Smart TV options
Pricey QLED and QD-OLED
Sony Great sound and picture quality
HDR and Smart TV options are readily available
Eco-friendly
Pricey Cognitive Processor XR Chip and Mini-LED
LG Sleek designs
Affordable models
Smart TV options
No HDR 10+ support OLED
Hisense Great value at low prices
Sizes of up to 100" available
Processing issues Variety
TCL Roku and Google compatible
Up to 8K
Affordable options
Processing and picture quality may not be up to par with pricier models Value
Vizio Affordable
4K resolutions
OS may lag and be buggy Quantum

As various brands have different specs and features, you should always confirm that the technician working on your TV is familiar with its precise make and model before entering into any agreement. Note that qualified TV repair technicians in the Chicago area typically possess the knowledge and expertise required to work on a variety of TV brands, regardless of their models and operating technologies. Nevertheless, verifying that your preferred technicians specialize in fixing your TV's exact brand, operating technology, and screen type goes a long way in guaranteeing satisfactory service delivery at the end of the day.

Can You Advise if I Repair or Replace My TV?

Many contemporary TV brands typically last between 30,000 and 100,000 hours or 10 to 15 years of regular use. While it is generally more affordable to repair your faulty TV rather than replace it during this time, there are certain instances where replacement may be the better option. Examples of these instances include:

  • The TV is older than ten years
  • The TV has been physically damaged
  • The panel is the issue
  • There is a hardware problem with the TV
  • You have fixed the particular problem at least twice

You should always look for reputable and trustworthy TV repair technicians in Chicago when dealing with TV problems because they are likelier to tell you upfront whether the issue can be fixed or whether you need to replace the TV. You can also determine if your TV's problem is worth fixing and avoid getting conned by dishonest technicians who are only interested in charging diagnostic and service fees by doing the following:

  • Troubleshooting: check the TV's user manual and the manufacturer's website to see if they provide any information on the issue and any fixes for it
  • Research costs: research cost estimates for repairing the TV and evaluate this against the cost of an actual TV replacement. Many professional Chicago-based TV repair services also offer free initial cost estimates, and you should consider getting and comparing these estimates from up to three of them.
  • Miscellaneous considerations: sometimes circumstances like moving into a newly built or renovated home may compel you to purchase a brand-new TV rather than fixing a faulty one

Are All Your Repair Experts Certified?

Finding out if a TV repairman has undergone technical training and holds relevant professional certifications can help you assess their suitability for the job. Experienced TV repair technicians in Chicago typically undergo formal training and certification through various sources. These include renowned organizations like the Electronics Technicians Association International and the International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians, as well as nearby trade schools like Moraine Valley Community College and William Rainey Harper College.

Always authenticate any credentials your intended TV repairman claims to hold. Additionally, ensure that the TV repairman has a direct line of communication with your TV brand's manufacturer and can get technical support from them as needed.

Do You Offer Same-Day Repair Services?

The average American uses their TV for at least four hours every day, which makes finding out how quickly your faulty TV will be fixed necessary in helping you plan around the inconvenience caused by the problem. Listed below are common TV issues:

  • No sound or picture
  • Displays distorted images
  • It shuts down on its own
  • Displays lines on the screen
  • Audio or video is out of sync
  • No longer responds to remote
  • Colors are blanching or leaking
  • Images do not fit the screen
  • Images are out of proportion
  • Dark and dull pictures
  • Grayed-out screen
  • Loses internet connection

Even though many of these issues are relatively minor and can be resolved in under a day, it is always a good idea to clarify this with your TV repairman. Also, find out whether the repairs can be made in your house or if the TV needs to be taken to the TV repairman's shop. Some TV repairs that usually have to be completed at the TV repairman's shop and generally take longer than one day include

  • Fried circuit board replacements
  • TV panel replacements
  • Broken screen replacements
  • Dead motherboard replacements

Be wary if the TV repairman you are in talks with appears hesitant to provide you with a specific timeframe for the repair work or an estimate of the costs you might incur if the repairs take longer than a day.

Do You Hold the Relevant License for TV Repair Technicians?

Chicago-based TV repair technicians do not need an occupational license to operate in the city. However, these individuals must obtain a business license from the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) before legally offering their services to interested parties. Applications for BACP-issued business licenses can either be made online via the Chicago Business Direct platform or by submitting a BIS pre-application form in person at:

Chicago Small Business Center
City Hall
121 North LaSalle Street
8th Floor
Room 800
Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays

Note that applicants will be required to pay a stipulated fee and provide any information or documentation that the department may deem necessary at the time of the application. Inquiries concerning the BACP's business licensing procedure and requirements for Chicago-based TV repair services can be directed to the department at (312) 744-6249 or via email.

You can confirm if your preferred TV repair technician has been licensed to conduct business in the city via the BACP's Business License Look-up platform. You should do this before any repairs are started.

Professional TV repair technicians in Chicago also provide interested customers with a number of other appliance and electronics-related services, including

TV mounting and installation:
$100 - $260
TV setup:
$50 - $120 per hour
Smart device setup:
$150 - $1,400
Remote repair:
$10 - $50
Phone repair:
$50 - $650
Computer repair:
$100 - $1,000
VCR system repair:
$45 - $120
Home projector repair:
$125 - $365
Home theater and sound bar repair:
$100 - $315
Household appliance repair:
$50 - $450

Be aware that the make and model of the appliance in question will significantly impact the actual cost of these services. Nonetheless, always confirm that your intended TV repair technician also offers the extra services you might require, and make sure that you agree on their costs before finalizing any hiring agreements.

Do You Offer Genuine Spare Parts?

While it is essential to ensure that the TV repairman you hire is aptly skilled and experienced, ensuring they have access to genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) TV parts is equally crucial. Although these parts are often more expensive than generic parts, they have several advantages that outweigh these additional costs, like

  • Compatibility with your TV
  • High quality and durability
  • Assured compliance with existing warranties

Thus, using genuine parts ensures that your fixed TV will work effectively, which, in turn, ultimately saves you money over time. However, your TV repairer may not always be able to find genuine OEM parts for your TV. This is usually the case when the official production of these parts or the TV model has been halted. Under these circumstances, they might have no choice but to use generic parts for the job. Also, the delivery of required parts, whether OEM or generic, can take up to three to four business days, depending on their availability and whether they can be obtained locally.

Are Your Repair Services Covered by a Warranty?

A warranty assures you that your requested service was rendered expertly, competently, and with high-quality parts. Professional Chicago-based TV repair technicians always offer their clients warranties, and you should take it as a warning sign if your intended technician says that they do not offer them. TV repair warranties usually run from three months to a year, and the defects or damage they cover depend primarily on the technician who issues them and the brand and model of the TV. However, most of these warranties do not cover damages that result from the following situations:

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Misuse and improper maintenance
  • Improper installation
  • Power line surges
  • Vandalism and natural disasters
  • Shipment-related damages
  • Cosmetic damages

It should be noted that many TV manufacturers offer consumers who need to fix issues with TVs under warranty a list of approved TV repair services within their locality. Depending on the nature of the problem, the TV may have to be returned to the manufacturer for these fixes or a complete replacement.

Additionally, some electronics retailers and outlets, like ABT Electronics, Best Buy, and Walmart, issue store warranties or extended protection plans that offer extra protection outside the scope of the original manufacturer's warranty, such as protection against accidental damages. Note that, as with manufacturer and technician-issued warranties, the conditions of an extended protection plan are set by the retailer that issues it.

Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks of purchasing an extended protection plan for your TV:

Pros of Extended Protection Plans Cons of Extended Protection Plans
Provides additional coverage for TVs Can be quite expensive
Can be used after the original manufacturer's warranty expires Cost is not usually justified for low-end TVs
Offers extra peace of mind Repairs covered usually cost less than the actual plan

Always ask for a written copy of any warranty you are given. Ensure you read it carefully to comprehend its conditions and avoid doing anything that could void it.

How to File a Complaint Against a Bad TV Repair Service in the Chicago

You can file a complaint concerning bad TV repair services in Chicago with the city's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Shady TV repairers often attempt to trick unwary Chicagoans looking to fix their faulty TVs through ruses like

  • Intentionally damaging other components of the TV to charge more
  • "Discovering" non-existent problems with the TV and requesting additional fees to fix them
  • Claiming the TV is completely damaged and needs to be replaced
  • Using generic parts despite being paid for OEM ones
  • Demanding full payment upfront
  • Fabricating their credentials

You can ascertain the legitimacy of your intended TV repairer and avoid being scammed by doing the following:

  • Request a free preliminary inspection and cost estimate from several technicians and compare these estimates before making your selection
  • Check reviews and testimonials on your preferred TV repair technician via platforms like the Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews.
  • Make sure that the technician is not included in the BACP's List of Businesses/Individuals Found Liable for Consumer Fraud in the Past Three Years.
  • Confirm that the technician has a valid business license and verify any other credentials they claim to have
  • Ensure you will be offered a warranty and a receipt for any purchased parts.
  • Never pay the full cost of your requested services upfront.
  • Keep an eye on the technicians as they work.

You can contact the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) by dialing 311 or via the city's CHI311 portal to file complaints against shady TV repairers, unsatisfactory TV repair services, and other similar matters.

You can also file these complaints with the Consumer Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General's Office through its Consumer Complaint Online Submission Form.