The bell is ringing but who can that be? If the
opportunity to buy a new doorbell is knocking at your door, we can help.
It's about chime you got a doorbell!
A doorbell is a simple, yet effective, way of making a difference to
your home. Unfortunately its status was relegated to being the butt of many
sitcom sketches as an inappropriate chime (too cheerful or too dirge-like)
played at an inappropriate moment as some 'guest' waited to enter the set. A
doorbell chosen with care can make a real positive difference to your quality of
life and this article sets out to help you choose the perfect doorbell for your
home.
When you start looking for your ideal doorbell, there seems such an overwhelming
choice. Gone are the days of a simple buzzer or gong with poor quality sound
reproduction. The only choice then was whether the pushbutton buzzer was lit or
not.
First of all, you need to decide on the function the doorbell will need to
perform. Obviously it needs to announce new arrivals - they all do that - but
will you be in the house or in the garden or even next door when the bell rings?
If so, then you need a wireless model. If you are going to be a considerable
distance (say 100 metres or more) from the pushbutton then you need a long-range
wireless doorbell. You also need to decide if you are going to use the doorbell
to 'filter' visitors. If so, then you will need an intercom system - maybe even
with a camera. Undoubtedly this will improve your security but it will be
considerably more expensive than a basic doorbell.
You also need to consider the environment in which the doorbell will be
operated. If your house is generally in the modern style then a synthesized
sound may be perfectly appropriate. On the other hand if your home is more of a
heritage property then a simple gong sound would be more in-keeping. In fact, if
your house is a listed property, there may well be restrictions about an
intercom and even about what type of doorbell you can have or whether you are
even allowed to pierce the outside wall for cables. Check this with your Local
Authority first otherwise you could be fined.
If you are going for the modern style, find a sound which is clearly audible yet
which is not too strident or repetitive. Choosing your favourite song may seem
like a good idea but don't forget hearing a part of it played day in and day out
on a simple doorbell speaker is going to act as very effective aversion therapy.
Unless you are trying to create a talking point with your choice, pick something
neutral that doesn't intrude. Don't forget that what is amusing today will be
old hat tomorrow and a joke doorbell chime may not be appropriate for all
visitors!
If you are struggling to decide which bell to go for and can afford it, why not
choose a doorbell with a number of ring or chime options. That way you can vary
the ring with the time of year, the visitors you are expecting or the mood you
are in. You can be certain, though, that whatever you want somewhere out there
is the right doorbell.
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