If you’ve ever lost your keys or locked yourself out, then you might see the appeal in a keyless entry for your home. With keyless entry, you will never have to worry about keeping track of your keys. Your security system will also become more sophisticated.
A keyless entry system allows you to secure your home without using the traditional mechanical key and lock. These locks are activated and disarmed using keypad entry, touchscreen entry, or even fingerprint entry.
Before you make the switch from your traditional lock and key, it’s important that you weigh your options first. While there are enough pros, you should also consider the cons and how they might affect your home security system and lifestyle.
PROS OF KEYLESS ENTRY FOR YOUR HOME
1. YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR KEYS
This is the major highlight of keyless entry locks for the home. You will no longer have to worry about keeping a key safe. No more hidden spare keys in prominent places such as under the mat or flower pot. For parents, the fear that your child may lose their keys and get stranded outside is usually present. With keyless entry, you’re always assured that your children get in safe. A keyless entry system can save you from a lot of hassle and expenses that come with losing your keys.
2. EASIER ACCESS FOR VISITORS AND RELATIVES
Have you ever had to rush home from work or a fun activity just to open the door for a visitor? Unexpected drop-ins might be welcome, but they can interrupt your day when you have a traditional lock. With keyless entry for your home, visitors can let themselves in by simply typing in your code. If you travel often, this system also makes it easier for neighbors and family members to check-in on your home and take care of the needed things.
3. MONITOR ACTIVITY WITH CODE ACCESS
Keyless entry allows you to track who comes into your home and when they do. With some systems, you can create unique codes for each person who needs entry into your home. As a parent, you can keep track of when your children get home daily, to ensure that they are safe. You can also keep track of other people who come into your home, such as the cleaner, and other staff.
4. WITHDRAW ACCESS IMMEDIATELY AT NO EXTRA COST
If you share a house or apartment with housemates, then several people could have access to your home at once. It is often advised to change your home locks once someone moves out. Even if they turn in their keys, they may have made copies without your knowledge. Changing traditional locks could get expensive over time, not to mention wasteful. With a keyless entry lock, you could deactivate the access to their personal code. If you suspect that they know the codes of other housemates, you can all change your codes at no extra cost.
CONS OF KEYLESS ENTRY FOR YOUR HOME
1. THE SYSTEM COULD BE HACKED
Just like any other technology, keyless entry systems can be hacked. There are hackers out there who specialize in breaking such locks. It is not expected that you will immediately become a target once you install a keyless lock, however, there is always the possibility of being targeted. If you choose to switch to a keyless entry system for your home, make sure you use a password combination that is random and difficult to guess. Also, invest in a good-quality lock system brand with a high-security rate.
2. INSTALLATION COSTS
Several security brands offer different prices for their keyless entry systems. However, none of the quality options come cheap. Also, the cost of installing a keyless entry system is significantly higher than that of a traditional system. You will have to find someone who specializes in such locks or has the needed training to install and activate them. These contractors will charge a lot more than the regular lock installation rates.
If you’re making significant changes to your home with a moderate budget, a keyless lock may not be an immediate need. If you’re particularly interested in this system, you can always make the change when you can comfortably afford it.
3. POWER BREAK OR FAILURE
Power breaks may not often be, but they do happen. In a situation where your power goes out, it could mean that your home will be left with no security. If you’re going with a keyless entry system, it is expected that you live in an area with little to no record of power failure. If you have such occurrences, a backup power source is strongly advised.
4. YOU COULD FORGET THE CODE
It is possible that you could forget your codes just as you’ve probably forgotten your keys in the past. While installing these types of locks, we usually encourage homeowners to use a code that is random enough to prevent an easy hack job. Unfortunately, the combination might also be too erratic for the homeowner to remember. If you decide to go with a keyless entry system, you should trust your memory enough, or write down the code in a secure place.
5. POTENTIAL MALFUNCTION
Every electronic hardware device comes with the risk of malfunctioning. A good-quality security brand will install enough fail-safe measures into the lock to avoid such situations, however, failure is still possible. In such cases, you might get locked out of your home and require professional help to deactivate the lock.
There are many factors to consider before choosing to install keyless entry for your home. The number of people who need access to your home, your security requirements, and your budget will all come into play. We can’t choose an option for you, but we encourage you to consider both the pros and cons and make an informed decision. Your final choice should be one that makes your life easier and assures you of a secure home.
Thank You
Todd Theroux
