Residential Keyless Entry: Benefits and Downsides
In recent years, residential keyless entry systems have become quite popular. If homeowners are able to afford them, keyless entry locks can make life easier for the entire family. However, there are some downsides you may not have considered as well. When it comes to home security, it is important to look at all the pros and cons when it comes to any upgrades or installations you are thinking of making. Since keyless entry requires modifications to your home, as well as changes in your routine, you will want to consider how you and your family may or may not benefit from keyless entry locks.
The Benefits
Ease-of-Access
Using a keyless entry lock compared to a traditional lock is much, much easier. You do not have to worry about pulling out or finding your house key in the first place, and then once you arrive at your door, all you have to do is take a second or two to enter in the passcode. This quick and convenient action can save homeowners time and hassle, without needing to sacrifice security.
Better Security
If you choose to upgrade to keyless entry locks, your home will undoubtedly be more secure. Keyless entry locks are electronically based, so it is very difficult to break-in to them in the same way that you might be able to break or “pick” a deadbolt. With electronic and keyless entry locks, tampering is much more difficult, if not impossible. Most homeowners are comforted by the fact that the presence of electronic locks automatically acts as a deterrent to home thefts, and if a criminal were to try to break one, homeowners would be alerted from the device itself through an alarm system or from the noise.
Convenience
In addition to increasing your home security and offering an easier way to access your home, keyless entry locks are also more convenient when it comes to certain locksmithing procedures. For example, with traditional deadbolt locks, one needs to either have the locks rekeyed or replaced in order to make any keys that were once made for a given door no longer work. With keyless entry locks, this procedure is much different. Instead of having to remove locks or rekey them, a simple reprogramming is all that is required. Since number combinations are the most commonly used passcodes for keyless entry locks, changing them can be done quickly and will help to immediately secure one’s home again.
The Downsides
Cost
The first major downside to keyless entry locks is their cost. Not all homeowners may be able to afford top-of-the-line keyless entry locks. Keyless entry locks are an investment that most homeowners will find worthwhile, but it may not be possible to purchase keyless entry locks at this time for your home. Know that residential keyless entry locks are going down in price all the time as they become more popular, so you may be able to find a model within your budget now or in the near future.
Restrictions from the HOA and Other Entities
In addition to their cost, another downside to keyless entry locks is they may be restricted in your area or for your particular home. The Home Owner’s Association and other governing entities are able to dictate what kind of changes homeowners, condo owners, and townhome owners are able to make to the interiors and exteriors of their homes. You will want to check with your specific property management, if applicable, about whether or not keyless entry locks or electronic locks of any sort are allowed. It is not recommended to install or replace any kind of new locks without checking with the appropriate entities first.
You may also be restricted from adding any kind of new or electronic lock to your home if you live in a protected or historic district in your town. There are some regions that have a rich history, as well as structural integrities that the town is mandated to uphold. This can include the exteriors of certain homes in the area, including the locks on the front door.
Professional Installation is Required
While homeowners have the option to self-install deadbolts and other types of locks their homes, keyless entry locks always require professional installation. Electronic locks of any kind, including keyless entry, are much more complex than traditional locks. If you were to attempt to install them yourself, you may end up with a bit of a mess on your hands. It is always better to leave keyless entry lock placements up to an expert, especially when these installations that are meant to keep your home and loved ones safe.
Installing Keyless Entry Locks Properly
If you have carefully weighed the pros and cons and are certain that you would like to install keyless entry locks or some other kind of electronic locks, now is the time to call a locksmith. Any kind of electronic lock installations should be handled by a professional. Certified locksmiths are trained to handle electronic locks and other security measures, in addition to traditional lock and key services. A professional installation, right from the start, will be important for your home security now and in the future. If you make the choice to invest in electronic locks, make sure to invest in the right kind of help, too. Ask a local locksmith to come out to your home for a consultation and get you started with keyless entry today!
Hire a Locksmith in Rosemead, CA!
Rose Locksmith in Rosemead, California can help with all of your keyless entry lock needs! Installations, upgrades, and other lock and key needs can be handled by our experts 24/7. Only the most skilled and well-trained locksmiths are hired to represent our staff, so no matter who you work with, you will know you are in good hands! Give our locksmiths in Rosemead a call now to address all of your residential, commercial, and even vehicle locksmithing needs and requests. Let our locksmiths help increase your security today!