A busted intercom is not only inconvenient for residents, but it’s a massive security risk to your building. A functioning intercom system is essential for your residents’ well-being. Luckily, the best intercom repair in Chicago is relatively easy to find.
In this guide, we go over why your intercom might not be working. Next, we provide some tips on how you can repair your intercom yourself. Finally, we walk you through finding the best repair person for intercoms in Chicago.
This guide covers:
- Signs your Chicago intercom system needs repairs
- Why is my intercom not working?
- Chicago intercom system repair tips
- 4 ways of finding the best intercom repair in Chicago
- Best Chicago intercom repair companies
- Best intercom system in Chicago
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Signs your Chicago intercom system needs repairs
Modern intercom systems have a variety of parts that must work in tandem to provide a smooth and secure experience. However, if it’s not working properly, you need to address it as soon as possible.
To determine if you need Chicago intercom repairs, be on the lookout for:
- Physical damage. Examine the intercom for any damage to the casing, buttons, or screen. Cracks to the screen, sunken buttons, and exposed insides are serious problems that should be addressed immediately.
- Poor audio. It’s vital your tenants can clearly hear their guests requesting access. If there is popping, static, or poor audio, reach out to a repair company.
- Failing screen. If your intercom system has a screen, it should always be clear and responsive. Lag, glitching, and unresponsiveness are some signs to keep an eye out for.
- Dropped calls. Video or audio calls should be clear and without delay. Signs of dropped or failed calls may mean it has poor connectivity or requires repairs.
- Tenant complaints. Since your tenants likely use the intercom more often, any complaints about the system will give you the details of how it operates. Listen to any feedback they provide regarding the functionality of the intercom to determine if repairs are necessary.
Why is my intercom not working?
Your intercom is likely not working for one of two reasons:
- Physical damage to the exterior of the device.
- An electrical shortage within the device.
The exact cause of the damage is only relevant if you suspect intentional vandalism and wish to report the matter for insurance purposes.
However, it’s important to first confirm that your intercom is actually broken. For instance, smart intercoms can have various features and settings. If the wrong setting is activated, you may assume the device itself isn’t working correctly. So, always check your manuals before determining that the hardware is broken. You can also reach out to the vendor or manufacturer for advice.
Regardless, be aware of the following issues to prevent or repair any damages as soon as possible:
- Unusual noises
- Malfunctioning door release
- Poor sound quality
- Dropped calls
- Visual glitches
All these are signs that your intercom might be damaged. It’s essential to get your intercom in Chicago repaired as quickly as possible — before the damage gets worse. When residents are unable to open a door through your intercom, their daily lives are severely interrupted, especially during wintertime in the Windy City.
Chicago intercom system repair tips
Troubleshooting intercom systems can be tricky. Some problems have simple solutions (such as a quick reboot), while others can necessitate hiring a professional. With a little bit of time, you could save money by routinely maintaining the intercom system yourself.
Here are the top things you should check when your intercom is malfunctioning:
- Perform a voltage check. Most intercoms run between 6 and 16 volts. Receiving the incorrect voltage can lead to performance issues. So, consider using a voltmeter to safely check the voltage.
- Check for exterior damage to the system. This includes everything you can visibly see, such as dents, cracks, and deep scratches.
- Tighten or fix the wiring. Follow your manual instructions on opening your intercom panel to view the wiring inside. If any wires seem loose or disconnected, try reconnecting them. Make sure to turn the power off first!
But if you can’t determine what is wrong with the system, leave it alone. You could make matters worse (and more pricey) for yourself by messing with the device.
Additionally, if your intercom system is malfunctioning due to inadequate protection from rain or wind, it might be time to consider a system replacement.
4 ways to find the best intercom repair in Chicago
Finding a certified intercom repair provider in Chicago may be more cost-effective than replacing the whole system. This is especially true if your intercom is a state-of-the-art access control system. As such, you must ensure that your repair is done correctly without breaking the bank or causing additional damage.
Here are four ways to find the best intercom repair company in Chicago:
- Contact your system’s installer or brand
- Know the types of repair services
- Research online
- Network with your peers
1. Contact your system’s installer or brand
Most local commercial intercom installers are well-versed in intercom repair. If you were satisfied with your intercom installation in Chicago, it’s worth contacting the installer.
At the very least, they’ll have a recommendation for a repair service provider that you can trust. Conversely, you can also try contacting the company that sold you the intercom. They may have a trusted network of intercom repair services in Chicago.
2. Know the types of repair services
There are two types of intercom repair services in Chicago:
- Local specialists are often independent, offering clients more personalized service.
- National security integrators are affiliated with a nationwide organization and can perform a wide range of other services in addition to repairs.
Ultimately your choice is between a local company with a personal touch or a larger company equipped with more resources. If the door buzzer repair seems like a larger job, go with a national security integrator. Conversely, it might be more affordable to go with a local specialist for minor repairs.
Learn why WSS Integrated Technologies chooses ButterflyMX for its clients:
3. Research online
The internet is your best friend when searching for vendors that perform intercom repairs in Chicago. But it can also be deceptive.
For instance, reading reviews on Google, Yelp, and other third-party websites can be great starting points for finding the best repair service. However, you can’t always be sure of the trustworthiness of such reviews.
As such, you should also browse the company’s social media platforms to specifically see how they engage with customers online. And if the client reviews or comments are for public buildings or companies, consider messaging them to learn more about the service they received.
4. Network with your peers
Ask the other property managers in your network about the service provider they used for intercom repair in Chicago. You can also use local online message boards to broaden your scope.
When asking questions, make sure your fellow property managers had a similar intercom system. If they have different systems, the repair service they received and are satisfied with might not be right for you.
Great questions to ask your peers include:
- How communicative was the repair service provider?
- How long did the repairs take?
- What did it cost? And did their quote match the final total?
- How well is their intercom functioning since the repair?
The more similar a peer’s intercom issue is to yours, the more likely the repair service provider they used can also fix your device.
Be sure to mention your peer when you eventually choose a service — they’ll appreciate it, and maybe you’ll both get referral discounts!
Best Chicago intercom repair companies
- Chicago Intercoms
- The Professional Locksmith
- Chicago Locksmiths
- Elite Intercom Services Inc.
- Mega Locksmith and Security
1. Chicago Intercoms
Google rating: 5 / 5
As a top-rated intercom repair company in the Windy City, Chicago Intercoms can be trusted to keep your system running smoothly. The Chicago Intercoms team of trained technicians is available 24/7 to address your needs.
Chicago Intercoms services:
- Home intercoms
- Business and commercial intercoms
- Multi-tenant and apartment intercoms
Their team is also available to provide ongoing maintenance service to prevent the need for repairs in the first place.
2. The Professional Locksmith
Google rating: 5 / 5
Serving customers throughout the Greater Chicago Area, The Professional Locksmith is more than just an emergency locksmith company.
The team offers a wide range of services, from key duplication and lock installation to security camera and building management services. But they also offer both intercom installation and repair.
The Professional Locksmith team repairs all intercom system brands and models. They take their time to troubleshoot the problem and provide an accurate diagnosis. If your intercom is beyond repair, The Professional Locksmith can also offer intercom replacement.
3. Chicago Locksmiths
Google rating: 5 / 5
Chicago Locksmiths is a locksmith, security, and intercom servicing company that serves clients throughout the Greater Chicago Area. Their team works with both single-family and multi-tenant buildings that need prompt and professional services.
The Chicago Locksmiths team can install and repair many makes and models, including:
- Jeron
- Pacific Electronics
- Auth-Florence
- Tektone
- Mircom
- Aiphone
- Siedle
- ABB
- Comelit
- Leedan
- ButterflyMX
- NuTone
- Doorking
4. Elite Intercom Services Inc.
Google rating: 5 / 5
Serving all of Chicagoland, Elite Intercoms Services, Inc. specializes in repairs and installations for all kinds of intercom systems.
Elite Intercoms can assist with your:
- Buzzer system
- Apartment intercom
- In-unit hardware for multi-tenant buildings
- Telephone entry system
- Video intercom
Whether your intercom is malfunctioning, needs routine maintenance, or needs to be programmed, the Elite Intercom Services team can help. The company offers free quotes so you won’t be left in the dark about pricing.
5. Mega Locksmith & Security
Google rating: 4 / 5
Serving all of Chicago — including the suburbs — Mega Locksmith & Security is a team you can trust to resolve your problem quickly. Plus, because all of their technicians are licensed, bonded, and insured, you can rest assured that they’ll get the job done right.
Mega Locksmith & Security offers intercom repair services for many intercom brands and models and serves both residential and commercial properties. And if your intercom is beyond repair, the Mega team is happy to help you choose a new system to install.
Best intercom system in Chicago
When your intercom system is beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it. So, instead of replacing it with the same system that was unable to last, upgrade to a longer-lasting intercom system in Chicago.
ButterflyMX is the best intercom system in Chicago. Established in 2014, ButterflyMX released its flagship product, the video intercom system. Since then, more than 10,000 buildings have installed ButterflyMX into their building because of the many qualities it offers.
Features of the ButterflyMX video intercom include:
- IP65-rated. The ButterflyMX video intercom is IP65-rated, meaning it can withstand all types of elements, such as rain, snow, sleet, extreme heat, and freezing temperatures.
- Video calling. The video intercom allows for one- and two-way video calls between guests and tenants. That way, tenants feel safe letting in guests they recognize.
- Virtual keys. Tenants can easily provide guests or service workers independent access by sending a virtual key. Tenants can customize the virtual key to work for one time only or at certain times of the day and week.
- Delivery PINs. Properties may set up delivery PINs for major couriers. In turn, delivery drivers have no trouble accessing the property, and tenants never miss a delivery.
- Multiple credentials. The ButterflyMX video intercom supports mobile and PIN code credentials for tenants. So, if they lose their phone or it dies, they can still access the property using their unique PIN.
- Audit log. Property managers and staff benefit from the ButterflyMX audit log, tracking every entry to the building using the intercom. A date- and time-stamped photo is taken with each intercom entry for greater security.
- Directory. Finally, contacting a tenant to grant access from the intercom is easy with a directory. All guests have to do is find the tenant they’re visiting and call them from the intercom system.
Takeaways
- A broken intercom can hamper your resident’s satisfaction with your Chicago building. So, prioritize getting it fixed right away.
- It’s crucial to determine the issue with your intercom as soon as it breaks to prevent further damage. Beware of user errors caused by system setting selections, which are easy to fix.
- Once you’ve determined the intercom is broken, assess if you can fix it yourself. But only fix the issues you feel confident handling alone. Otherwise, you could make things worse, costing you more in the long run.
- When finding the best provider of intercom repairs in Chicago, first consult with the device’s installer and brand. They might point you in the right direction.
- Know the different benefits of localized professionals and national security integrators.
- Use best practices when reading vendor reviews online. Also, ask the property managers in your network and local community boards for recommendations.
