ARE YOU CONSIDERING A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME?

HERE ARE SOME PROS AND CONS

Keyless door locks, first used in commercial buildings and luxury automobiles, are now popular nowadays among homeowners, too. There are many benefits to having a keyless entry system installed in your home. Here’s an overview of the advantages and disadvantages.

PRO: Just punch in a code. A keyless entry system comes with a keypad, and you simply have to remember a string of numbers and push the buttons to unlock the door. With some keyless systems, you can use a key also for locking the door as you leave, then use the keypad when you return. Some systems will allow you to use a smart device to monitor your property remotely, adding even more convenience.

If all you have to do is recall the code to get in, then obviously you won’t need to make duplicate copies of your keys for your kids, house cleaner, dog walker, in-laws, friends, and so on. Just tell the code to the people you trust, and demonstrate to them how to use the keypad system.

CON: You could forget. In the same way you can forget your keys and be locked out of your place, you can also forget your code and be locked out. It’s safer to choose a more complicated code, and certainly to avoid anything obvious like birth dates; but this will be a problem if you have a hard time remembering things.

SOLUTION: Choose a code that’s a private mnemonic to you, but unknown to most others.

CON: The code could get into the wrong hands. Theoretically, anyone you tell your code to ~ or someone who peers over your shoulder and memorizes your code as you put it in ~ could pass along the information to a person you don’t know; or, someone could turn against you some day, heaven forbid, and enter your home sometime while you’re gone.

SOLUTION: Change your code once every month or so.

CON: Your keypad could wear down, revealing the code. As time goes by, the keypad buttons can wear down from frequent use. You might leave dark marks on the buttons you choose over and over, especially if you keep the same code all the time.

SOLUTION: Always keep your hands clean so you won’t get dirt and grime smudges on the keypad’s numbers. Clean the keypad at least once a month. Also, keep changing your code, at least once a month or so.

PRO: You don’t have to hide the key outside your home. You won’t be hiding a key in a fake rock, under the welcome mat, or under a flower pot on the porch any more, which professional thieves can so easily locate.

CON: A hidden key is such a relief in a crisis, but you won’t have that advantage any longer.

SOLUTION: Some keyless systems include the option of also using a key.

PRO: You’ll spend less in the long run. When you consider the usual circumstances that arise regarding locks and keys ~ such as welcoming a new roommate or tenant with their new key; moving into a new home; blocking access from an ex-spouse; and so forth ~ the truth is, overall, a keyless entry system is probably cheaper than all the rekeying, lock changing, and duplicating of new keys you’ll be doing in your lifetime.

CON: It’s more money up front.

SOLUTION: You can make payments for a keyless entry system over time.

PRO: You won’t have to worry about carrying your regular key. You won’t be fumbling for your keys to get into your home any more. Once you get family with it and you’re in the habit, high-tech keyless entry systems are relatively easy to use. They give you more peace of mind. You’ll have security a cut above anything you’ll ever have with conventional keys. Do you lose your keys often? Then it’s great to install a keyless entry system. Absentmindedness will never shake you up again. And, you won’t have to bring any jangly keys with you whenever you take a stroll, walk your dog, go out for a run, or visit a neighbor.

CON: You may actually miss the familiarity of your keys.

SOLUTION: Some keyless systems will offer the option of also using a key.

PRO: It’s easier for your kids. If you have children who get home from school before you arrive, and they usually forget their keys, a keyless remote entry system is the perfect solution. All your child has to do is remember the code.

CON: Your kids may have trouble remembering the code, or, they might share the code with people they shouldn’t ~ giving you too many headaches. If you have the type of keyless entry system that alerts the police when an incorrect code is entered too many times, you could have the authorities showing up at your home way too often.

SOLUTION: There are keyless systems that give you the option of also using a key.

PRO: It provides better security than basic keys do. Because our private data must stay confidential, there’s increasing concern over identity theft and fraud. Therefore, keyless entry systems are becoming more sophisticated, with such technological developments as biometrics ~ that is, locks that have a recognition pad requiring a fingerprint, a handprint, or an eye scan, thus granting access only to you and to the persons you’ve established. Plus, some systems have the added bonus of working with a smart device so you can monitor everything remotely.

CON: In an emergency, rescuers won’t be able to get in, because they won’t know your code. Furthermore, if you have biometric features as part of your system, it will allow access only to certain people, making it inconvenient if you forget to add someone to your preferred list.

SOLUTION: Install an alarm system that’s tied in with your keyless entry system. Then you can supply special instructions, which your alarm company can always keep on file to follow if an emergency arises.

PRO: Some keyless remote systems will have backup, staying on perpetually, even in a power outage. In general, an indicator light or message will turn on, reminding you when the battery charge is getting low.

CON: You have to keep making sure your battery is charged. That’s one thing you simply cannot forget, and it’s a pain, especially if you’re going away for an extended time, since the battery must last until you return.

SOLUTION: Get in the habit of periodically checking your battery power. Your system’s battery backup is utterly essential, so your home will stay locked even if a power failure happens. Also ask a trusted friend or neighbor check for you while you’re gone.

PRO: Keyless locks are digital, and therefore much safer.

CON: A professional criminal might be able to hack the system, or guess your code.

SOLUTION: Purchase a keyless entry system that will automatically alert the police or other authorities if an incorrect code is entered too many times. You can also tell authorities ahead of time if you’ll be gone on vacation.

Consider the possibilities. If you reside anywhere in Federal Way, Washington, and you want to find out more about the benefits of keyless entry systems, make an appointment with a reliable professional, such as one of the mobile locksmith residential specialists on staff at Federal Way Washington Locksmith.