The Pros and Cons of Keyless Entry for Homeowners

Keyless entry has always been a popular option for business owners, but in recent years, homeowners have also caught on to the trend. For homeowners, keyless entry has both benefits and downfalls. Many often think that enhanced technology will always mean a better experience, but this is not always the case. Some families will benefit more than others when it comes to keyless entry. You will want to consider all of the pros and cons before making the plunge and deciding to make this kind of upgrade.

The Pros of Keyless Entry

Immediate Access

For those that live alone or come home late at night, fumbling with your keys at the door can leave you vulnerable. Criminals may lay in wait to attack while unsuspecting victims dig in their pockets or purses for their keys. With keyless entry, access is nearly immediate since you do not have to worry about first finding your house key and then entering it properly into the slot.

No More Lost Keys

Losing one’s keys can be very stressful. A lost house key can turn into a big hassle, but with keyless entry you never have to worry about this. Access to the home is always available right through the keypad or combination lock. Also, if you have several family members, you do not have to worry about handing out individual keys to all of them.

No More Lockouts

This is one of the most popular perks of keyless entry and the reason why so many homeowners have made the switch. Getting locked out is never fun, so many homeowners eliminate the possibility altogether by installing keyless entry. Hiding a key on or around one’s property for lockout emergencies may not be an option or something you feel comfortable doing. Keyless entry is a great solution since you do not have to hide a key anywhere or worry about lockouts.

Track Who Comes and Goes

The majority of keyless entry models that you will find on the market today are accessible through phone applications. You can easily track when doors are open or closed, as well as who is coming or going. For models that will allow you to assign individual passcodes, you can see a log or record of who has used their passcode to enter the home and when. For some families, this feature may be particularly important. For parents that have children that arrive home from school before they themselves arrive home from work, these features and others may help increase peace of mind.

The Cons of Keyless Entry

Some Systems Are Not Completely “Keyless”

Depending on the model you purchase, some keyless entry systems have remotes or other accessories that must be present in order for the lock to work. These small devices may be easy enough to carry around and may even fit on a keyring just like a traditional key. Even though you do not have to use the remote, it still must be within proximity of the lock. This can be a major con if you happen to lose your keys.

Installation and Set-Up Requirements

Unlike deadbolts and other locks that one can purchase at a hardware store and install themselves, keyless entry is a little more complex. Hiring a locksmith is required to make sure they work and communicate wirelessly. It is unlikely you would be able to install one yourself without prior experience and have it work effectively. If you are interested in keyless entry locks for your home, be sure to account for the labor and installation costs.

Also, if you want the added features of keyless entry, such as wireless log activity, expect to pay more. There may even be monthly fees associated with phone application usage, so it is important to look for any hidden or additional costs on top of the initial installation and purchase fees. Every keyless lock model is different and will have its own individual pros and cons. In general, however, the more access and features provided, the more money you will pay.

Wear and Tear

It should be mentioned that wear and tear is a concern for keypad and combination locks. On the keypad itself, if a certain code is used over and over again, these buttons will become worn. This can make it easy for criminals to guess the entry code if certain numbers are clearly used more than others. You will have to make sure to change your passcode every so often if you do install keyless entry locks for your home that require a combination or number code.

Have More Questions about Keyless Entry?

If you are still deciding whether or not you and your family will benefit from keyless entry locks, you can always talk to a locksmith to help you make your final choice. Some families will benefit from keyless entry locks more than others, so do not jump into a decision too quickly. It is important to make sure to evaluate all possible options for replacing the locks on your home before ultimately making a decision. You would not want to later regret a major installation only to revert back to your home’s previous locks. Most locksmiths will offer free consultations and can help you explore your options.