What if you never had to use a key to get into your home ever again? Incorporating electronic locks into your security system can make it easier for you to get into your home while also improving your home’s security. Before you decide to leap from a traditional lock to a keyless entry system, there are a few pros and cons for you to consider.
Pro: No Need for Emergency Keys
You might have an emergency key hidden under a welcome mat or hidden somewhere else on your front porch. While it’s great for you to have a backup, it’s not so great when burglars find these keys and use them to gain entry into your home. A keyless entry system eliminates the risk that hidden emergency keys pose to your home.
Pro: No Key to Lose
With an electronic lock, you never have to worry about misplacing your house keys ever again. It has an added benefit that you don’t have to give out extra keys to people you ask to check on things when you’re on vacation or away from home for an extended time. You can instead assign those individuals temporary passcodes which you then disable when you get back home.
Pro: You Can See Who Comes and Goes
With a keyless system, you can give every person a specific code to provide them with entry into your home. You can check your system to see how often people come and go when you’re not home. If your system shows a passcode being used when its assigned person wasn’t in the area, you can change that one person’s code rather than having to change every code.
This makes your electronic lock an important part of your security system, but you can also expand your security system. Installing a camera near your front and back doors can deter potential criminals. If the wrong door code is used too many times in a row, your system can alert the police.
Con: Can Be Hacked
Your code is essentially your password to your valued belongings, and predators with tech knowledge can use their skills to find your code and gain entry. Experts suggest changing your code every once in a while to help prevent it being found out. Additionally, frequently used buttons can become discolored or worn over time, helping your uninvited guests figure out your code and allowing them into your home.
Con: Power Failures
Electronic locks aren’t linked into your home’s electric system, so you don’t have to worry about blackouts. However, they are usually battery powered, and the batteries will need to be changed to keep the locks working. Like most devices, they will usually give you a warning when they are getting low on battery, so you should have plenty of time to change them. However, if your batteries die, you may need to find another way into your home.
Some electronic locks do come with a traditional lock, and you can use a key as a backup if needed. However, keep in mind that choosing this type of lock opens you up to thieves with lockpicks.
Con: Forgetfulness
Not everyone has a perfect memory, which means remembering a code isn’t ideal when they need to get into their own home. Plus, when experts recommend that you change your code every once in a while, trying to remember which code you’re using quickly becomes tiresome.
If you believe that an electronic lock security system works for you, especially if you’re prone to losing things, then now is the time to act. When you’re prepared to counteract the potential cons, you can handle almost anything else.
