Keyless Entry Systems - Advantages And Disadvantages

Keyless entry systems have advantages and disadvantages.

Remote keyless entry systems also have their pros and cons. Read more about both here.

Let's first define the difference between a keyless entry system and a remote keyless entry system.

A keyless entry system replaces the need for house keys by having a keypad next to your door where you can enter a code to gain access to your home.

A remote keyless entry system, on the other hand, allows you to unlock your house from a few metres away, with a remote control fob (like the ones you get with most modern cars). There is no need to enter a code, you just press a button to unlock your home.

Keyless Entry Systems - Advantages

The best advantage of this sort of system is that you can never lock your keys inside the house!

Another advantage is that you cannot lose either your house keys or the remote control fob you need to enter your home. You simply enter the code on a numeric keypad and you have entry.

Lastly, another advantage is that you can have tradespeople (such as repairmen) or visitors gain access to your home when you’re not around. You simply inform them of the code and change it after they have left. This is much safer than lending someone a key (which they can easily have copied in as little as three minutes at a locksmith).

Keyless Entry Systems - Disadvantages

One of the disadvantages of this type of system is that someone could guess your code and use it to enter your home. However, if you avoid choosing numbers that have meaning (such as your date of birth or your cel phone number), you will minimise the chance of this happening. Similarly, changing your code every three months will help protect your home.

Another disadvantage of keyless entry systems is that if there is a power failure, you could be locked out. However, if you choose a system that has battery backup as well as regular electrical power, the chance is very small that you will ever be locked out due to power failure.

Remote Keyless Entry Systems - Advantages

The advantage of this type of system is that they make entering and leaving your home super easy. Just like with most modern cars, you click a button on your remote to lock or unlock your front door, garage door or electric gate.

This is particularly useful if you are carrying groceries or other parcels, as you can open your door in advance, rather than having to put all your groceries down on the doorstep and hunt for your keys in your pockets or handbag.

Remote Keyless Entry Systems - Disadvantages

The disadvantage of remote electronic locks such as these is that if you lose the remote, it will cost quite a lot of money to replace it.

Another small disadvantage is that the battery inside the remote control fob lasts for about 3-5 years, after which it will need to be replaced.

Setting Up A Keyless Entry System

You can usually find great deals for remote keyless entry systems online. You can have your system professionally installed, or you can install it yourself in some cases.