Imagine you're watching a scary movie in a dark room late at night. The main character is creeping down a quiet hallway, and you're waiting for the monster to jump out at any moment. Suddenly, a loud banging comes from your front door, nearly giving you a heart attack.
Wouldn't a simple ding-dong have been less abrupt? That's where wireless doorbells come in.
Here's your wireless doorbell guide so you can learn what they are and how they're a good option for your home.
What Is a Wireless Doorbell?
A wireless doorbell is a type of doorbell that operates without wires or the need to connect with your home's electricity. It includes a chime box receiver and a doorbell transmitter.
As long as it's charged or has batteries installed, all your visitors need to do is press a button to activate the bell located inside your home. That bell can be installed anywhere, as long as there's a strong connection with the transmitter.
Although some wireless doorbells need the receiver plugged into a wall outlet, there are some battery-operated receivers that give you more flexibility. They usually come with a customizable chime, as well.
How Doorbells Work
Wireless doorbells provide a good option for both businesses and homes. However, the transmitter's limited range may prove an issue for larger buildings.
A standard doorbell chime system gives homeowners a range of about 150 feet. That range can diminish depending on how many walls there are between the transmitter and receiver, as well as any objects that mess with the radio signal.
There are also business doorbell chimes that have a much wider range. Some allow up to 5,000 feet covered and can be set up in different zones.
Of course, different parts are used in these systems and how they're set up will also differ.
Parts Involved
A traditional doorbell uses wires to activate the chosen sound. Pressing the button completes a circuit that powers the mechanism.
With wireless doorbells, batteries allow the button to forgo wires. Instead of completing a circuit, a radio signal is instead sent out when the button is pressed. A receiver picks up the signal and activates its chime.
Depending on the brand, the receiver may or may not require an outlet to function.
For larger buildings, you will need multiple receivers to increase the distance the radio signal can travel. Not all doorbell systems come with the ability to use multiple receivers, so make sure you purchase the right model.
Setting It Up
Wireless doorbells are easy to install. They don't require wiring, and they usually have a longer range compared to wired options.
If the receiver needs an external energy source, you'll want to find a place in your home where you can easily hear it with an outlet. Receivers that use a battery can be placed wherever you'd like without that restriction.
Some doorbells come with various features such as video and audio recording. If so, you may need to download an associated app and pair it with the device. Most doorbells also allow you to change the chime to a variety of different audio clips.
Benefits of Wireless Doorbells
As previously stated, wireless doorbells don't have to get hooked up to anything. As such, there is no cost of installation like a wired system would require.
Since the receiver isn't hooked up to the front doorbell, you can place it anywhere in your house. If you spend most of your day in your home office, you may want the receiver closer to it, even if it means moving it away from the center of your house.
A more pricey wireless doorbell usually comes with some kind of special features to justify the price. Some options automatically video record a visitor the second they step in front of the doorbell. Others allow you to speak directly to a guest with a built-in speaker and microphone before you approach the front door.
If your doorbell does have some kind of video recording, you can rest easier when you're away from the house. It only takes a couple of taps on the related app to see who is there and to notify the authorities if necessary.
Wireless Doorbell Tips
First of all, keep in mind where you place your doorbell's receiver and any object between it and the transmitter. Certain materials can seriously interfere with the path of your radio waves. As a result, your receiver may not respond to the doorbell's button.
Concrete walls with metal in them can greatly diminish the signal. Metal is difficult to penetrate and instead absorbs radio waves. Concrete is thick and is also hard to pierce through.
You'll also run into problems if you use other devices operating on the same frequency as your wireless doorbell.
If both your transmitter and receiver run on batteries, make sure to regularly change them out. You don't want visitors waiting at the door for a long time because the doorbell never sent a signal.
How to Find a Wireless Doorbell Store
Anyone who wants to find a wireless doorbell for your business or home should keep in mind the cost and what features they desire. A business location will likely need multiple receivers to span its larger space. A residential building that wants better security would do well with video recording options.
For the best results, look for an online retailer that specializes in wireless doorbells.
Welcome Visitors With the Press of a Button
If you want to avoid heavy knocking, then wireless doorbells are your best option. You can place them anywhere without worrying about wiring. They're also one of the only ways you'll get special features like video and audio recording.
1800doorbell.com stocks a wide assortment of doorbells, alarms, and more. With our products, you'll quickly know about any visitors, wanted or unwanted. Check out our various offerings online or contact us to learn more.