Hotels and office buildings moved to key cards years ago and now the trend of going keyless is finally catching on in the home front.

The locksmiths at The Lock Doctor have seen a steady growth in the sale of electric keypads, as homeowners enjoy the convenience of going keyless.

B次元官网网址淲e have one customer who installed them [on every access] to his house,B次元官网网址� said key master Nic Rahn of The Lock Doctor. B次元官网网址淗is grandkids visit often and that way thereB次元官网网址檚 no worry of keeping track of keys.B次元官网网址�

Some expected numbered keypads to find their way onto the front doors of all residential homes by now, but thereB次元官网网址檚 still a chance it could trend that way, Rahn said.

B次元官网网址淩ight now the entry point for residential keypads are about $174 to $250 and the install time is nearly the same as it is for a traditional deadbolt.B次元官网网址�

People are enjoying the freedom, he added.

Keys break, they get lost, and keychains quickly grow to a cumbersome size. WhatB次元官网网址檚 changed about the keyless keypads is the battery life and durability of the locks, Rahn said.

B次元官网网址淭he batteries now can go for years, but we recommend replacing them when you replace the battery in your smoke alarm, just to be safe,B次元官网网址� he said.

Electric keypads do come with a manual key entry should the battery die.

B次元官网网址淥ne of the benefits is some of electric keypads can be programmed to carry 19 entry codes at a time B次元官网网址� a handy thing for contractor or other workers that need access to the home,B次元官网网址� Rahn said.

A best seller is the Schlage BE 365 series, a durable keypad starting at $174. Prices vary on the style and finish of the keypad, such as the Emtek touchscreen model.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com

Q: What should I consider when purchasing an electronic keypad?

Residential keyless entry systems donB次元官网网址檛 necessarily offer any greater or inferior security, they are a choice. Options that include key fobs instead of, or in addition to, the keypad can greatly increase convenience when opening your door.

Consider the challenge of opening the door with a heavy bag of groceries or a child on each arm when deciding which way to go. When it comes to electronic residential locks, convenience is part of the commodity but there are considerations with all residential entry systems including keys.

While tried and true, and likely already outfitted at your home, keys can be copied or lost for others to take. They also cost money to replace and new phone apps now even scan keys so they can be reproduced. Just like a password can be found, so too can your keys if they fall into the wrong hands.

Whatever the choice, these systems are becoming much more popular and as technology grows, so do your options. It is just a matter of choosing what is right for you and your family.

GREATER VICTORIA MARKET UPDATE 禄 MONTH TO DATE Nov. 16/15   COURTESY VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD

禄 270 / 465 -- NET UNCONDITIONAL SALES / TOTAL, NOVEMBER 2014

禄 426 / 682 --NEW LISTINGS / TOTAL, NOVEMBER 2014

禄 3,029 / 3,631 -- ACTIVE RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS / TOTAL, NOVEMBER 2014