Problems With Wireless Doorbells

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Problems With Wireless Doorbells

Wireless Doorbells are wonderful devices that provide value to a number of homes.  They are relatively inexpensive, practical and offer more flexibility than wired doorbell systems.  However, wireless doorbells are not without their disadvantages.  As a buyer of a wireless doorbell system, you will want to be aware of these problems with wireless doorbells:

1.  Frequency Limits:  Most regular models range from 75 to 150 ft.  This range can be fine if you live in a small home.  However, if you live in a large home with a number of floors, you may have some difficulty hearing the wireless bell.  To address this issue, you can do two things:

        a.  Purchase a long range wireless doorbell.  These wireless doorbells have a range up to 300 ft or

        b.  Purchase wireless doorbell add-on, amplifier or extender.   You can find models that work with Nutone, Heath Zenith, Thomas & Betts, Dimango, Carlon, and Broan.  They come in plug-in and battery operated versions.  These will allow you to expand the range of your system.

2.  Interference From Outside Frequencies.  A number of consumers have voiced concerns of wireless doorbells going off because of interference with other frequencies.  This tends to be more of an issue in the city where the wireless doorbell’s frequency competes with garage door alarms, car clickers, and other wireless doorbells.  To best address this issue, you can:

        a.  Purchase a wireless doorbell system that has multiple wireless doorbell frequencies.  This will allow you to block out these competing outside frequencies.

3.  Batteryoperated means they will eventually run out of juice.  The good news is this is largely a non-issue. Batteries last a long time and even if you don’t want to mess with batteries, you can purchase plug-in units for the bell alarm.  This means you would only then have to replace batteries in the wireless doorbell button. 

4.  Limited wireless doorbell designs.  One problem with the wireless doorbell industry is a limitation of the designs in wireless doorbell buttons.  Although the wireless bell alarms come in a ton of different design options, the actual wireless doorbell button only comes in a few designs.  These designs usually are limited to a white cover with either a black, transparent, or white colored button.  If you are looking for something a little fancier, you can look at those offered by Jacob Jensen.  They have a more modern look.  The good news is with more interest in wireless doorbell systems it is only a matter of time before additional wireless doorbell button design options are made.

It is true that wireless doorbell systems have their share of disadvantages.  However, as you can see the disadvantages tend to be minor or easily correctable.  Plus, the advantages of wireless doorbells can be many: relatively inexpensive, practical and functional, flexibility in bell alarm and doorbell button location, and even weatherproof.  Our advice is to try one out while taking into account these disadvantages.  We think you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.