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Should You Install
Electronic Door Locks?
As our lives get more high-tech, one feature of your home may one day go the way of the typewriter: your house key. From fingerprint sensors to Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled systems, keyless entry products are rapidly transforming how Americans secure their homes.
These keyless systems may not be for everyone, particularly those who aren’ t comfortable with technology.
However, if you are tech-savvy, these keyless entry systems add another layer of home protection that’ s not available from a typical door. And you don’ t have to ever worry about losing your keys again.
Are these easy-access locks the right choice for you? If you’ re not comfortable with technology, they probably won’ t be. However, if you have no problem programming your DVR, universal remote, and household thermostat, a keyless lock may be a good option. Here are some of the technologies currently on the market:
Biometric fingerprint recognition- This is the latest and greatest keyless entry technology. Biometric locks recognize your fingerprint, letting you unlock your home with a swipe. This type of keyless lock requires you to program it with your fingerprint, as well as those of the rest of your family or others you want to allow access to your home.
Keyless deadbolts- These are less expensive than the fingerprint entry system. They are very dependable and also offer keyed entry alongside the digital keypad for added peace of mind in case you forget your code.
Keyless remote door locks- These systems don’ t require keys or codes that you can forget. They include a fob similar to the one you use to open your vehicle. Using RFID technology, the door will open with a button press.
Smartphone-controlled locks- These locks sync with your mobile phone via Bluetooth. This allows you to control entry to your home remotely and track who is coming and going. Some of these locks will text you when someone else opens your home’ s door, while others will automatically unlock your door when you approach it.
Keypad locks- These entry systems require you to program an entry code. Though newer, more complex models may allow you to assign individual codes to specific people or even program a greeting to play when the door is unlocked.
Costs and Security
Prices for electronic door locks range from $ 100 to more than $ 1,000, depending on the type of lock and features included. While they can make entering and exiting your home easier- unless there’ s a power outage or the circuit board fails- they aren’ t necessarily more secure than traditional keyed locks.
Burglars generally enter homes through unlocked doors or windows or by forcing open a window or door.
If security is your main concern, you’ re probably better off investing in solid wood or steel exterior doors rather than the latest electronic lock technology. Door jambs reinforced with steel plates will also make it more difficult for an intruder to kick in the door.
Whether you opt for traditional keys or a new, high-tech electronic lock for your home, you should make sure you are properly insured for a break-in. If you don’ t have homeowner’ s or renter’ s coverage, call us.
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Cusumano Insurance, a local family-owned business, has been serving the Pittsburgh area since 1958. The agency represents several insurance companies offering various options for your personal and business insurance needs. Its experienced staff are creative problem solvers who help find the suitable insurance companies, products and discounts to meet your specific needs. Give them a call today for a free insurance review.
This Industry Insight was provided by:
Joann Cusumano Sciulli, AAI Agency Principal
Rosann Cusumano Elinsky, AAI, LUTCF Agency Principal
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