When it comes to keeping your home and family safe, you want to do everything you can to protect them. Along with the rise of the smart home and automated security, keyless home entry systems have become one of the first lines of defense for savvy homeowners. If you're thinking of adding a keyless lock to your home, here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make the right choice for your family.
No More Fumbling for Keys
Digging around for your keys in your purse, pocket or briefcase is a hassle. With keyless entry you won't have to waste time or energy searching for keys when your hands are full, or when you're in a hurry. The convenience of a keyless lock makes it easier for you to get inside your house safely and quickly every time. And, best of all, most keyless entry systems come with a key cylinder override or other backup that ensures you can get in even if batteries die or the power goes out.
No Risk of Being Locked Out
Keyless entry means neither you, your kids, nor visiting family need to worry about being locked out of the house. If you forgot your car keys inside, you don't have to wait for someone to come let you in before you can drive off to that meeting - all you'll have to do is enter the code and walk right in. Newer systems are using fingerprint recognition instead of a code, which makes it even easier for every member of your home to come and go as they please.
No More Keys Under the Mat
Finding a secure place to hide an extra key has always been tricky. While it's convenient to have an extra key located somewhere near the front door, it's a major security risk. Burglars know where people tend to hide spare keys, and they use them to gain entry. When you opt for keyless entry you eliminate the need for extra keys altogether. This provides extra security and peace of mind, especially for families with young children.
You Can Track Who's Coming and Going
One of the nicest benefits of a keyless entry system is being able to see exactly who is entering and exiting your home. If you have an automated security system, you can receive alerts on your smartphone or through email whenever a door is opened or closed.
You can also assign different codes to different family members, the neighbor who watches the dog when you're out of town, or even to a real estate agent who needs to show the home while you're still at the office. Plus, you can deactivate a code at any time. That means the code you gave the plumber can be deleted as soon as the work is done, keeping your home and family safe and secure.
You Need to be Diligent
Along with all the ease and convenience of keyless entry, comes a few downsides. Most prominent is the need to change up your codes frequently. If you use the same code for too long, you can leave telling signs of wear on the keypad which can give the bad guys a big clue about which numbers are in your code.
Another risk is keeping track of all the codes you give to family, friends, and service professionals. You need to deactivate codes given to people for a temporary reason, and be sure to switch up the main codes, especially if kids might be sharing with friends. If you decide to go keyless it's smart to keep a master list of codes and who they are assigned to, and you should determine a schedule for changing your codes so that others can't easily guess what it is.
You Need to Track a Remote Instead of a Key
Just because it's keyless, doesn't mean it's always without accessories. Many keyless entry systems come with a remote so you can open the house as you pull in the driveway or lock things up as you drive away. However, a lost remote can present the same security threat as a lost key. You may decide not to use the remote and stick with keypad entry. Either way, make sure you don't leave your home at risk with a plan for what to do in the event that you misplace a remote.
You'll Pay More for a Keyless Lock
Typically, traditional deadbolts can add security to your home for under $50. Upgrading to a keyless lock or entry system can set you back a few hundred dollars. If your keyless entry is part of a bigger home security system, there may be monthly fees and charges as well. It's important to weigh the benefits against the financial burden when deciding if keyless entry is right for you.
Looking out for your family and home is important. Trading out your traditional locks for a keyless entry system can be one of the smartest moves you make to keep your loved ones and belongings safe. Be sure you understand both the advantages and disadvantages before making the switch for your home. Contact PMI today to find out more!
