When is the Right Time to Repair or Replace Intercom Systems for Apartments?
Most of the apartment buildings and office spaces around Metro NYC rely on intercom systems for apartments. These are crucial devices that ensure stronger security than a simple lock and key that different tenants can use. Not to mention, it makes letting in visitors or deliveries much easier when you don’t have a doorman.
The problem is the technology behind such innovations tends to improve rapidly. What may have worked well in the 1990s or early 2000s is probably due for an upgrade. So, how do you know when to replace or repair intercom systems?
Our professional team at Lock City specializes in access control capabilities for apartment buildings across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding areas. We want to ensure you get the most out of your intercom systems with a future-proof solution your managers and tenants will appreciate. Here are some quick factors to consider before making a decision.
Clear Signs to Address Your Intercom System
The good news is most intercom systems are built to last. Even the cheaper brands know the wear and tear from frequent visitors requires better materials than something you would put in a private residence with little to no use.
The catch is that NYC is a thriving community with thousands of visitors swinging by for everything from afternoon tea to delivering a new sofa to the penthouse. Here are some clear signs it’s time to repair or replace intercom systems.
#1 – Poor Audio/Video Quality
Whenever you’re getting many complaints or repair requests from tenants over muffled voices, static-filled audio, or blurry video, you need to check out your intercom. The odds are there are issues with the system’s wiring, microphone, or camera. Repairing the items may work if it is something small like a loose wire.
#2 – Unresponsive or Malfunctioning Call Buttons
The call buttons on intercom systems for apartments get a lot of use. You don’t want tenants to miss out on crucial deliveries because the courier mistook a malfunctioning intercom for the resident being unresponsive. This is most likely a hardware issue and should mean you need to replace intercom systems.
#3 – Difficulty Integrating with Modern Security Systems
Upgrading your apartments with wireless security systems to dissuade theft is a major benefit that helps keep your vacancy rates low. However, you’ll also need to upgrade to an IP-based intercom or Bluetooth intercom solution. Older systems tend not to integrate well with modern security systems – especially when considering connectivity.
#4 – Frequent Breakdowns
It costs money for supplies and time for your supers to go in and address repairs. If the intercom system frequently goes down or has similar issues repeat over time, you should replace the entire thing. Running a quick cost comparison to the repairs vs. installing a new system that won’t break down usually gives you a good idea of where the threshold is for your budget.
#5 – Tenant Complaints
Finally, listen to your tenants. They are your frontline feedback machines who will not hesitate to tell you when the intercom systems for apartments are no longer working as intended. In many cases, you may have an “intercom system” listed in lease agreements or marketing that could harm your reputation if not working properly.
When to Repair or Replace?
After you’ve come to the conclusion it’s time to upgrade your system, you’ll need to decide if a simple repair will do the trick or if you need to hire a professional team like ours at Lock City for a fresh installation in your Manhattan apartment complex.
Take a look at the age of the system. If it is under warranty or less than 5 years old, a repair should be enough to get it back online. Anything over 5 years and you’ll need to balance repair costs vs installation. If there are no modern integrations, a repair is your best bet.
The extent of the damage also matters. Minor issues like a broken call button or occasional static are easy enough for your building management team to repair. Something like significant failures, including a complete system malfunction, network failure, or poor connectivity needing replacement.
Technology is also a factor. IP-based intercoms ensure remote access and cloud-based management, making life much easier for tenants and managers. Bluetooth intercoms with near-field connectivity allow for mobile devices or keyless entry. Tenants love a mobile-based solution.
The Benefits of an Upgraded Intercom System
It all comes down to cost analysis. A smaller building may want to extend the usable lifespan of an intercom system, while a larger building is ready for a full upgrade. You’ll want to take time to consider which is best for you, your tenants renewing a contract, and keeping occupancy rates up.
However, we strongly encourage you to upgrade to a modern system. You get many benefits like:
- Controlling an IP-based intercom system from anywhere in the world provides flexibility for your management team.
- Allowing keyless entry with mobile devices or fobs that tenants find much more convenient when hands are full, or guests are visiting.
- Enhanced security and video monitoring capacities, including HD cameras, motion detection, and the ability to store video logs for legal reference.
- Increase property value and attractiveness to potential tenants seeking a place to live.
Our team at Lock City provides a wealth of intercom systems for apartments in all 5 Boroughs. We work with leading brands like Butterfly MX, Akuvox, AIphone, and more to ensure high performance with modern AI-driven features and cloud integration, making living in NYC much easier.
Choose Lock City for Your Repair or Replace Intercom System Needs
When you need to repair intercom systems, call our team at Lock City. We have the equipment, tools, and experienced know-how to get the job done efficiently and accurately. Our team works hard to lessen any downtime to your building’s security, ensuring a safe and clean installation so you can get back to collecting rent and maintaining a beautiful building.
In addition to our intercom systems for apartments, we are happy to conduct complimentary site surveys. These help assess your current systems and offer insights for your owners and tenant boards to decide the best course of action.
Our fast and reliable service works with modern brands and industry-leading technology – all through a customer-centric approach. We work closely with property owners, managers, and supers to craft a tailored solution perfect for longevity and future-proofing.
Any time your apartment building’s system seems like it may be failing, don’t wait and risk a security issue your tenants are likely to complain about. Save yourself time, money, and frustration by calling our professional team at (855) 295-4613. Whether we are working on a new system with minor issues we can quickly repair or offer a complete installation for replacement, we have the best access control solutions you need.
