There aren’t any guarantees that the TV antenna you purchase and install will provide perfect reception. Much depends on your distance from broadcasting towers, any nearby obstructions, and typical weather. However, doing some research minimizes the risk of disappointment.

You can speak to neighbors to understand their setup. Various online tools allow you to check how far you are from TV transmitters in your area. The Federal Communications Commission, for example, has a tool enabling you to check local Digital TV channel reception.

Selecting the right type of antenna for your situation and having it properly positioned and installed will also increase the chances of better reception.

Before your TV antenna stops working, there are a few ways to tell it’s starting to break. Some common signs that your antenna needs repair include:

• A repetitive “no signal” issue

• A redundant “searching” issue

• Increased signal issues during a cloudy or rainy day

• A sudden drop in signal strength, regardless of the weather

If you’re experiencing these problems, you’ll want to ensure that your cables are still in good shape and have not deteriorated. In addition, check to make sure that your cables are firmly in place at the wall outlet. Finally, check the position of your antenna to ensure there are no obstructions in its path. If you’ve checked your antenna thoroughly and are still having these problems, a repair is most likely needed by an antenna technician. 

Signal loss, loose mounts, cable damage, and weather-related wear often require repair.

The shorter the coaxial cable, the better. The further you run the cable, the more signal loss you'll experience. At 50 feet, you'll see significant signal loss, and by 100 feet, you'll experience at least a 30% drop in signal strength.