Home Intercom System Pros and Cons

Keeping yourself and your family safe is a top priority and what better way to accomplish that than by having a home intercom system. A home intercom system allows the person inside the house to answer doors without actually having to literally open them. While there are many types of intercom systems, they all have the same goal: keeping you safe. There are pros and cons to having a home intercom system that should be considered before purchasing and installing.

While there are definite pros to having a home intercom system that are attractive, the homeowner should be aware that there are some potential cons or problems that might also arise. Be sure to check with your salesperson and ask the appropriate questions and address your individual needs before actually installing the unit. It will be easier to weed out what will work best for you after some research.

Home Intercom System Pros

1. Door Monitoring: One major incentive in having a home intercom is the sample fact of being able to answer the door when you want. For example, if you don't feel like opening the door to a perfect stranger or maybe you aren't dressed, you can just use the intercom to tell the person to leave what they have at the door or to come back another time. Some systems can be hooked up to your doorbell, an added convenience.
2. For Safety: In case of a home disaster such as an out of control fire or a bad weather storm, an intercom can come in handy to contact family members throughout the house. Rather than screaming and searching from room to room under chaos, the intercom can connect everyone.
3. Added Resale: A home intercom may add value to your home and lists well as an added amenity when you decide to sell. Home hunters are also concerned about the safety of their families, and an intercom may help speed or sweeten the sale.
4. Talking Inside: A home intercom could come in convenient if you are upstairs and you need to talk to your kids downstairs; you can use the intercom to communicate. You can also call them down for dinner without yelling.
5. Baby Monitor: If you have small children or a newborn, an intercom can act as a wonderful monitoring system to listen for when the child needs you.
6. Add Music: Some home intercom systems are manufactured with additional bells and whistles like a radio that can be turned on and piped in through the house via the intercom.
7. Video Monitors: Some intercom manufacturers offer added features like video cams or monitors that look like small TVs that can film who is coming and going.

Home Intercom System Cons

1. High Costs: If it's not in your budget, the monthly fee to monitor the service might be costly. However, there are various levels of services that may or may not fit your budget.
2. Hands-Off: Kids tend to play with the intercom keypads, buttons and the like, and similar to fire alarms in schools, kids can cause damage when you aren't around.
3. Electrical Issues: Like any appliance, a home intercom can get an electric malfunction and may need to be repaired with possible high costs.