The best way to make sure you know who’s knocking at your door is with a digital peephole. Digital peepholes instantly display the identity of the person outside your home so you won’t have to worry about opening the door to strangers or unsolicited callers.
Digital peepholes are connected directly to your Wi-Fi network, so you can view your door’s live feed using an app on your smartphone. You’ll receive instant alerts whenever someone approaches your door and the app stores recorded video clips to ensure you never miss a moment.
They are also useful for keeping tabs on other members of the household. If you have kids, digital peepholes are a great way to make sure they always arrive home safely.
You’ll be able to monitor their whereabouts and ensure they aren’t stopping off at the pool or visiting any unsavory locations along the way.
Is it easy to install a peephole in my door?
Yes. Installing a digital peephole in your front door is actually very easy for homeowners to do themselves. It can also be completed by an experienced carpenter or contractor in less than an hour. The total cost of installation will vary depending on the type of unit you purchase and whether you want to hire someone to do the job.
While it’s not necessary, having a professional install your digital peephole can save you time and money if you are in desperate need of an immediate repair or upgrade. The only downside is that some home warranty companies will not honor any claims on installations completed by someone other than their own approved contractors. Others may even require that you install an approved brand.
A professional installation is great if you own a vacation home or rental property and need to ensure your visitors can identify themselves in case of an emergency, such as a break-in. Some properties may not have existing peepholes and require drilling new holes before installing the unit. This can enable you to save money on an installation if you do not already have a unit and want to purchase the necessary hardware.
How much does digital peephole installation cost?
The total cost of a digital peephole installation will vary depending on the type of unit you purchase. However, expect to pay between $50 and $150 for standard models which can be installed in most wood or metal doors. This cost will increase if your door is thicker or made of fiberglass, but not by much.
What’s great about digital peephole installations is that they do not require additional costs for electricians or contractors. All that is required are the digital unit itself, a drill, screwdriver, safety glasses, tape measure, and a pencil. The total cost of this project will be less than $100 if you hire someone to do the job for you.
What is involved in installing a digital peephole?
Installing your own digital peephole unit requires only a few materials and about an hour of your time, depending on how quickly you work. The actual installation process is very simple and requires only a few basic tools such as a drill, screwdriver, tape measure, pencil, and safety glasses.
To complete the installation yourself:
1. First of all, you need to find out where your doorbell or existing peephole is located on the inside of your door.
2. Remove the existing unit by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. If there are no holes, you can drill new ones so long as they are on the exterior of your door. This is especially important if you want to ensure that your visitors can see themselves while looking into the peephole.
3. Measure the width of the faceplate of your existing unit and compare it to what you are purchasing. If there is a significant difference in size, you may have to buy extension plates for the new model.
4. Open the box containing your digital peephole and work from that point on until installation is complete.
5. Once you’ve opened the box and inspected all of its contents, read the instructions before beginning the installation process. If you purchased an extension plate, attach it to your digital peephole unit by unscrewing and re-screwing with a screwdriver.
6. Next, run the wiring for your new digital peephole (if it is not wireless). Follow the wiring diagram included in your installation kit and make sure you run the wire under the base of your new unit. If you purchased a wireless model, skip this step and go directly to Step 8.
7. Drill two holes (one for each side) into your door where it meets with the frame; one above and one below the existing peephole.
8. Feed the wire through one of the holes you drilled and twist it on to ensure that it stays in place. Repeat this step on the other hole, connecting your wiring to both screws inside each of them. You can also use double-sided tape or Velcro but make sure it is secure enough not to come off during use.
9. If your peephole is wireless, you are done with the installation process. If not, then continue onto Step 10 to complete the installation of your new digital peephole unit.
10. Attach the mounting plate for your unit by screwing it into place through one of the holes you drilled. You can use either access to complete this step.
11. Place your digital peephole onto the mounting plate and secure it in place by screwing it in with a screwdriver.
12. Take your safety glasses off and attach the lens to the front of your unit using its magnetic backing or included pieces if they are not already attached.
13. If you have extensions on your digital peephole, attach them to each other using a screwdriver and use the screws provided with your unit to secure it in place.
14. Test your new digital peephole by connecting it to a power source and pushing the test button that should be included in your installation kit.
15. If you have a wireless digital peephole unit, be sure to attach your batteries and test it out by pushing the button.
16. As simple as that! Once you’ve tested your new digital peephole, go ahead and put everything away except for the included instruction manual. Place this somewhere where you can reference it if you ever need to.
About Digital Peephole Installations
Although peepholes for doors have been around since the early 1800s, the first known digital peephole was introduced in 2004. A year later, an inventor by the name of Stephen Russell patented his own version of a digital door viewer which included some additional features such as night vision and motion detection.
With this device, users were able to see who was at their door even if it was dark outside or the person was standing away from the peephole. Russell’s idea eventually led to other innovators developing other digital door viewers with unique features such as built-in cameras and prerecorded messages that could be played when visitors press the doorbell.
Since then, many manufacturers have released their own models of peephole installations which offer a variety of additional features that weren’t available in the past. The most common devices include a camera that enables users to see who is at the door from anywhere in their home via remote viewing on smartphones and tablets.
In addition, the more advanced units offer users a video intercom feature, which allows them to communicate with callers in real-time via two-way audio.
Some devices also include motion detectors that can trigger an alert or sound an alarm whenever someone is detected in or around your property.
Although digital peephole door viewers are the best way to see who’s knocking at your door before deciding whether or not to open it, there are other security tools that you can use for added peace of mind. These include regular peepholes, video intercom systems, and home security cameras.
About Smartphone & Tablet Peephole Viewers
Many people want to know what the best brand of digital peephole installation is. Unfortunately, the answer to this question depends on a variety of different factors such as how much you’re willing to spend and what type of features you’d like your device to have.
In general, though, mobile viewers that can be accessed via smartphones or tablets are considered some of the best available on the market today for several reasons.
One of the most important features is that they give you remote access to your door, which can be very useful in case you’re not at home when someone visits. This way, you can still see who’s on the other side even if they don’t have a key or accidentally lock themselves out.
Another benefit is that some models enable users to communicate with whoever is outside through a built-in intercom system. This allows you to answer the door from anywhere so you don’t have to unnecessarily let strangers into your home or go outside if you don’t want to.
Before buying a digital peephole viewer, however, it’s important that you find out what types of devices are compatible. Although the high-end models support both Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, some mid-range units can only be accessed from specific brands or models of devices.
In addition to checking what brand the viewer is compatible with, you’ll also want to find out what type of internet connection it requires. Some door viewers, for example, work via 3G network connections so you can see who is at your door whenever you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
On the other hand, some devices are only compatible with home internet connections, which tend to be more stable since they use Ethernet cables or DSL lines instead of wireless signals.
Digital Peephole Viewer Installation
Another consideration for deciding which device is best for you is where you want to install it. Although most of the major brands are wireless, some door viewers need to be connected directly into your home network via an Ethernet or Powerline connection so they can work properly.
If you have a newer model house with pre-existing wired connections, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if your property doesn’t have a LAN line near the door or you don’t want to make any modifications, you’ll need to use one of the more wireless options instead.
In most cases, digital peephole viewers can be installed in just a few minutes by tightening them into pre-drilled holes in the door.
Once they’re in place, users can connect them to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables depending on which models are compatible with their home internet service. Once they’re online, all you need to do is download the corresponding mobile app for your device and run it to activate the two-way intercom feature.
To prevent anyone from hacking your account, it’s important to change the default password as soon as you get the device so only authorized users have access.
When choosing a model, be aware that some door viewers are more durable than others. If you want to be able to use it for several years, then opt for one that’s made of high-end materials. This usually comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it’s better to pay more initially than have to replace your doorbell camera every few years if you want the most durable model available today.
Features
Other features that can be useful include night vision, motion sensor alerts, and voice activation for hands-free use. While not everyone will need these features, their presence can be a deciding factor for some people with certain lifestyles.
Keep in mind that most digital peephole viewers aren’t designed to replace your main doorbell and intercom system
They are meant as an extra security measure for when you’re not home or don’t feel like going to the door. If you plan to use them in this way, it’s a good idea to check with your ISP about whether they require any type of activation or equipment fees before you make the purchase.
By using a digital peephole viewer instead of an outdated traditional device, you can get up-to-date information about who is outside without having to open the door and expose yourself to potential danger.
Although some people choose a more hands-off approach for privacy reasons, it’s important that you contact your ISP before buying one of these products to make sure it’ll work properly with the type of service they provide.
Digital peephole installation is the best way to make sure you know who’s knocking at your door while being hands-off yourself. Forget about traditional devices that don’t work with new technology and can be hacked easily
Many people choose a more hands-off approach and don’t answer their doors anymore due to privacy reasons
24/7 Total Locksmith Services is a company that can help you with your digital peephole installation needs by giving you helpful tips when choosing the right device and helping you install it even if it’s an older home with no pre-existing wiring.
Visit slimjim.me or call at (888) 889-0893.
You can also send an email at dispatch@slimjim.me to get the help you need.
