Door Chimes

You'll probably be surprised to know that this ubiquitous electronic device - the door chime - used to be a luxury. Before electricity, door knockers were used. Big houses needed a means to herald the arrival of visitors. Sometimes, real bells were used. These methods are still used today in some parts of the world.

However, they are inefficient and the sound they produce is either not enough to alert the occupants of the house or are annoying. In 1831, Joseph Henry invented the first doorbell. There was much to be desired but it started what we now know as the indespensable doorbell chimes.

The early electric doorbell chimes produced a rather loud and irritating buzzer sound. The early 20th century saw the birth of door chimes that are more pleasing to the ears, the ones with the "Ding dong" sound.

Today, we now have wireless door chimes that can play a wide variety of melodies to suit personal preferences. Of course wired door chimes are still available if you prefer them over the wireless ones.

Nutone, Dimango and Friedland Door Chimes are just some of the more popular brand names available in the market today.

Choosing A Door Chime

With the advent of modern electronic door chimes, the options have become many and you can personalize as much as you want. With all the available choices, deciding which one to buy becomes a challenge. Here's a few guidelines to narrow down your search.

Consider how you want your unit to be powered.

It's either wired or wireless (battery powered). A wired connection may seem old style but it will be supplied with continuous power and you don't have to worry about the battery running out. A wireless unit, on the other hand, is very easy to install compared to a wired one.

Automatic Alert System or Traditional Push Button?

You can choose between a system that automatically alerts you whenever anybody gets within a few feet of your door or mailbox. This has pros and cons. It can be set off by things other than persons. This can be annoying. However, newer and more advanced models can learn to distinguish persons from non-persons (such as animals).

The push button type won't alert you unless your visitor pushes the button.

Intercom Capabilities?

Newer models can have the intercom capability. This can come in handy when you want to identify your visitors first before letting them in.

Choose The Style To Fit Your Taste

Buttons and indoor wall units come in various styles to fit your house's color scheme. Although not a deal breake, you want a style that will easily blend with your current set up.

Conclusion

Now that door chimes are affordable even to ordinary folks like us, there's every reason to take advantage of this modern day convenience. Personalize all you want and also get added peace of mind that you'll know you can tell whenever anyone's near your door.