Hadn't considered winter affecting fingerprint scanners...makes sense though. Any similar issues with keypad entry systems freezing up or draining batteries quicker in cold weather?
I've had keypad systems on a couple of my properties, and yeah, cold weather can definitely mess with battery life. Had one unit drain way faster than expected during a particularly harsh winter—ended up swapping batteries twice in just a few months. Haven't noticed them freezing up completely, but the buttons can get stiff or sluggish when temps drop below freezing. I'd recommend lithium batteries—they seem to handle cold much better than alkaline. Worth the extra couple bucks for peace of mind, IMO.
Yeah, lithium batteries are definitely the way to go in colder climates. I've noticed the same thing with alkaline batteries—they just don't seem to hold up when temps drop below freezing. I had a keypad lock installed on my garage last winter, and it was pretty frustrating dealing with sluggish buttons every morning. Switched to lithium halfway through the season and it made a noticeable difference.
One other thing I've been curious about is how weatherproof the keypad itself is. Mine's been fine so far, but I've heard from friends who've had issues with moisture getting inside, especially during heavy snow or freezing rain. Have you noticed any condensation or moisture buildup around the buttons or battery compartment? I'm thinking about adding a small protective cover or something just to keep it dry, but not sure if that's overkill...
Also wondering if anyone's tried solar-powered keypad locks yet? Seems like that could be a neat eco-friendly alternative, though I'm guessing cloudy winter days might make it tricky. Would love to hear if anyone's experimented with those.
"I'm thinking about adding a small protective cover or something just to keep it dry, but not sure if that's overkill..."
Honestly, I'd say go for the cover. I skipped it at first, thinking "how bad could it be?"... then spent a morning thawing out frozen buttons with a hairdryer. Lesson learned the hard way. Has anyone found a sleek-looking cover that doesn't scream "DIY"?
I've been down this road myself—old house, unpredictable weather, and electronics rarely mix well. Have you thought about how the cover might affect usability? Like, would it be hinged or removable? I ended up using a clear hinged cover meant for outdoor outlets; it's subtle enough that it doesn't look too DIY-ish. Might be worth checking out something similar if aesthetics matter to you...
