With a keyless entry system to your home, you can solve a host of common hassles at once. You never have to worry about lost keys, getting locked out of your house, or forgetting to lock the house when you leave. Keyless entry systems are effectively more secure than traditional mechanical keys, while making your life easier.
A keyless system can replace every manual key that prevents entry into your home. The standard keyless “key” comes with a door handle or deadbolt, and it has a number keypad for easily creating access codes. Many people use such number keypads for garage door openers, but you can install them on the front door, any outside-access doors, and as a barrier between porches or entryways and the main house.
All you have to do is remember a simple number code, usually four digits long – easier than memorizing a phone number. It’s so simple that a child can activate the code, but someone trying to break in has millions of possible codes to guess at before triggering an alarm. Getting into a house with a keyless system is more unlikely and difficult than using lockpicking methods with traditional mechanical locks. That’s why it’s more secure.
Another optional system for home security is one that uses a key fob or your phone to activate the door. You never have to manually insert the key, but the advanced sensor will identify your presence and let you in. This system is even more secure than the number-pad system, because a thief doesn’t even have the opportunity to guess what your code is.
It’s not just a good idea because it’s safe and secure – keyless entry for your home is also convenient. If you’ve ever kept a spare key under the welcome mat or above the doorframe in case of getting locked out, you know how frustrating it is. Sometimes people don’t put the spare key back where it goes. Sometimes it’s hard to describe exactly where the key is for someone who’s dropping by. If you have a contractors, a cleaning service, a house-sitter, or anyone else who needs to get into the house for a short time, you can always change the code after the project is done. It’s far less complicated than changing all the locks for the chance that someone still has a key to your house.
So, when is a good time to go keyless, and what do you need to know? The easiest time is when you’re building a new house, or when you’ve just moved. A new house with the previous owner’s security system means total strangers might have keys to your home, which can be a risk. Security experts recommend changing the locks when you move in anyway, and getting keyless locks is a huge advantage for a system that’s a bit more expensive. If you aren’t building or moving in the near future, though, there’s never a bad time to make the switch. Installation is simple, and you never have to change locks again – just change the code.
Here are some tips for shopping for keyless door locks: you want something that doesn’t restrict the door handle, and isn’t bulky or unattractive. Many keyless systems come with the door handle smoothly built in, and you can even match color schemes for a stylish look. Check the measurements of your door, and the depth of the doorframe, to make sure the new door handle or deadbolt with a number pad or scanner will fit nicely. Some homeowners install a new keyless feature, only to discover that the screen door can’t close all the way anymore.
Choosing keyless will make your life so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever used traditional keys.
