7 Common TV Antenna Installation Mistakes to Avoid

TechsPlace | Installing a TV antenna is no walk in the park. This requires a lot of knowledge and skill for a successful installation. However, a lot of homeowners would do this on their own to cut costs, which may be counterproductive.

There are many common mistakes committed because of this. Read on to learn what they are and what to do to avoid such mistakes!

Common TV Installation Mistakes You Need to Avoid

If you want to make sure that your TV antenna installation setup is correct the first time around, here are the common problems and mistakes to stay away from:

Avoid DIY or Dodgy “Professionals”

I notice that there are a lot of DIY antenna installations or homeowners who hire inexperienced providers. While you think it saves you money in the long run, it may affect your home’s safety and the signal you receive.

You might have issues with reception, sub-standard workmanship with poor materials, and even damage to your roof! That’s why it’s crucial to hire experienced providers and specialists who can work on your antenna, based on your specific needs.

Do NOT attempt to install TV antenna on your own, especially without prior experience. This risks a lot of damage and/or injury.

Using Old Antennas and Cables

There are still old analog antennas being installed in various areas, even when digital channels have been provided. Sure, analog antennas work adequately to pick up digital signals. However, many of these old antennas don’t

All TV antennas would break down and rust eventually, causing any reception problems. With older antennas, the faster the depreciation, so you experience poor signal strength. That’s why it may be time for an upgrade!

Furthermore, you should also avoid old and damaged coaxial cables. Opt for newer and high-quality cables and check your walls for critters that may damage it.

Installing the Wrong Antenna

Most times, people can blame the signal strength problems due to the wrong antenna type frothier location. You have to consider where you are from and if you’re close and/or within the beeline to your local broadcast tower. If not, then you shouldn’t use an indoor antenna.

However, you can’t choose ANY outdoor antenna, as you need something made for your area’s frequency. It’s best to check with companies like Satellite TV Antenna’s to find a suitable unit for your local frequency.

Insecure TV Antenna Installation

No matter where you’re from, you needs secure TV antenna installation that can survive various weather conditions and critters roaming around your roof!

Some DIY or dodgy jobs have insecure TV antenna installation, which tends to fall as soon as the storms hit. This causes damage to the roof, antenna, and your signal, costing you a lot in the long run. That is why it’s best to hire a professional who uses high-quality materials to secure your antenna.

Wrong Amplifier Usage

Amplifiers are beneficial, but only if you need them. If you don’t require any amplifier or use one that’s too strong for the house’s signal needs, you may experience more signal issues in the future.

Many homeowners commit the mistake of misusing amplifiers, which may boost the signals too much. They think that this is an alternative to move the antenna to the right place. It’s best to leave it up to a professional for them to see if you need an amplifier, and what kind you need according to your area and signal needs.

Bad TV Wall Mount and/or Inadequate TV Wall Points

Just like installing antennas on your own or hiring someone inexperienced, a similar mistake is committed with TV wall mounts. When TVs are fixed to the wall using the wrong wall mount type for the TV or space, it can cause uncomfortable viewing experiences, and even signal issues.

The same happens with wall points, which can also risk damaging your TV if you don’t have enough of them.

The Higher, The Better? NO!

One common misconception that many people believe when installing antennas is that the higher or bigger the antenna is, the better the signal.

Unfortunately, this is simply a MYTH. The ability an antenna has in getting a great signal depends on the way its internal circuits are set up. This has nothing to do with size.

Meaning, you can get a small antenna but have great signal and reception, or a big antenna with a mediocre signal. The same goes if you placed it too high up from your house.

Rather than looking at its size, consider the antenna’s internal specifications, and follow professional advice on where to place it.

With all of this in mind, the answer is clear: You NEED to hire a professional who is experienced in installing TV antennas in your area! Make sure to hire the right person for the job to avoid signal issues and damage risks.