The Pros and Cons of Residential Keyless Entry Devices

Residential keyless entry devices have become increasingly popular in the last several years. As technology has infiltrated every area of our lives, our home locks and keys are certainly no exception. Vehicle keyless entry is almost universal for newer vehicles, and it is now common to see keyless entry on residential properties of all kinds. Keyless entry locks have changed the lives of homeowners for the better in many ways, but there are some downsides you should be aware of. In the following article, you will learn about keyless entry devices, as well as the pros and cons of upgrading to this type of technology.

The Pros

No Need for Keys

The number one perk of keyless entry devices is no longer needing to use a house key. House keys are one extra thing to carry around and some homeowners are ready to do in with them altogether. Especially because some keyless entry models allow you to use your smartphone to open some residential keyless entry devices, upgrading can make life much easier. Having one less thing to carry around day-to-day may seem like a small adjustment. For some families, however, it can make all of the difference.

Increased Security

Keyless entry lock devices are far more secure than standard or traditional high-security locks. Deadbolt locks can be picked by criminals or tampered with. Keyless entry devices, however, are electronically controlled and much more difficult to break into. Most keyless lock models even come with tampering alarms and will sound when the code is entered in wrong one too many times or the lock structure itself is being manipulated. The increased security that comes with keyless entry is a great perk.

Convenience

The convenience of keyless entry locks cannot be overstated. For large families with busy schedules, keyless entry locks are a necessity. Going to and from your home is much easier when you can lock and unlock your doors from your phone and monitor activity in your home right in the palm of your hand.

The Cons

Worn Keypads

For keypad keyless entry locks, the one downside is that the keypad can become worn. When the same combination is used over and over, those buttons may begin to wear. Depending on the material that your keyless entry device is made of, wear and tear may become a problem. If certain buttons on your device are worn, this can make it easier for someone to guess the combination. Since some homeowners will use the same number once or twice, there may only be two or three buttons that become worn, making it even easier to guess the combination. If you are using a keyless entry device, be sure to periodically change the combination. If you have yet to install keyless entry devices, be sure to consult the locksmith who makes you installations about which materials will be most resilient against this kind of wear and tear.

Possible Criminal Entry

While keyless entry locks are generally more secure, the disadvantage is that the passcode may be found out and used for unlawful entry. Without a key in hand, the key for the door itself sits right on your front door. This can be unnerving for some. The possibility that someone might guess a combination may be too much for some homeowners that may prefer traditional lock methods. To avoid potential break-ins, be sure to not only change the passcode often, but do not use passcodes that could easily be guessed. For example, you would not want to use any numbers that also exist in your house street number. Any kind of birthdates, anniversary dates, or other number combinations that can easily be tied to your family should never be used. Easy combinations that contain sequential number sequences should also be avoided. Keyless entry devices are not secure if their passcodes are easily guessed.

Expenses and Other Requirements

Another con to keyless entry locks for some will be their cost. Especially if you plan on installing multiple keyless entry locks around your home, the costs of the locks themselves and the installation services may add up. For some, these expenses will not be worth it. Be sure to consult a local locksmith to receive a consultation and accurate price breakdown of the keyless entry projects you plan on pursuing. Most locksmiths will offer free consultations and price quotes to help you make these kinds of determinations. Also, keep in mind that any maintenance you may need done on your locks or combination changes will require the help of a professional locksmith. Keyless entry devices require specialized programming and maintenance to work properly and last many years. Committing to keyless entry may mean you will have appointments in the future to keep them maintain and running efficiently.

Still Not Sure about Residential Keyless Entry?

Now that you have reviewed the pros and cons of keyless entry, maybe you are ready to install this type of device for your home. Or, perhaps not. Making the upgrade to keyless entry can be a daunting decision for some and you may need further assistance when it comes to making the right choice. A good place to start if you are still unsure is to call and schedule a consultation with a local locksmith. Some professional locksmiths will even offer free consultations to help determine if keyless entry will benefit you or not. Work with a locksmith near you to ask any additional questions you have about keyless entry and receive professional assistance.