A broken intercom is both an inconvenience and a security risk at your building. If you’re dealing with a malfunctioning, unreliable, or entirely broken intercom system, you may have a legal requirement to address the problem quickly, according to NYC’s intercom law. So, you’ll have to find the best intercom repair in NYC.
Intercom repair is a delicate task that’s best left to professionals. Whether you need to repair an apartment buzzer or a video intercom system, the person you hire matters. Read on to learn why your intercom might be broken and how you can find the best person to repair it.
This post covers:
- Why is my intercom not working?
- How to fix an intercom
- How to find the best NYC intercom repair person
Why is my intercom not working?
Your intercom might not be working because of physical damage to the device, wiring problems, or outdated hardware. Signs of a broken intercom include unusual noises, a malfunctioning door release, buttons that don’t work, poor sound quality, and dropped calls.
Potential problems with broken intercoms include:
- Improper installation. You could experience problems if the intercom system weren’t installed correctly.
- User error. It’s possible that your intercom isn’t broken at all. Instead, it could be a simple user error causing the problem.
- Wiring issue. You could be dealing with a bad connection or a corroded wire.
- Weather. If your intercom isn’t weather-proof, rain, snow, or hail could damage it.
- Old or outdated system. Even the best technology doesn’t last forever. Your intercom might be on its last leg if it is particularly old.
Learn why WSS Integrated Technologies chooses ButterflyMX for its clients:
How do you fix an intercom?
Some intercom problems are simple and require a quick fix. To repair an intercom with a simple issue, you’ll need a basic understanding of how they work and are installed.
However, other intercom problems are more complex and require a professional repair person to fix them. If you’re not confident in your ability to troubleshoot your intercom problem, don’t touch anything; call a professional instead.
That said, here are three ways to troubleshoot a broken intercom system:
- Check for physical damage to the system. Look for dents, deep scratches, or other visible signs of damage. Also, test any buttons on the device.
- Check the wiring. Remove the intercom casing and carefully inspect the wiring. Ensure that every wire is making contact as needed. Remove any dirt or dust with a clean cloth.
- Test your intercom’s voltage. Use a voltage meter to determine if the transformer is defective. The meter should show a voltage reading between 6 and 16 volts.
Apartment intercom repair in NYC
If you have a broken apartment intercom system, your residents could miss visitors and deliveries. So, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible. The problem with your intercom might be that it’s old, incorrectly installed, or damaged.
However, if a resident reported a problem with the intercom, it may be a user error, not a problem with the intercom itself. Talk to the resident who reported the problem. Ask them to explain the issue they experienced and how it happened. If you find they’re misusing the system, show them how to correct it.
Of course, it’s also possible that your apartment intercom needs to be professionally repaired (or even replaced). Many intercom repair shops in NYC specialize in apartment buildings. Read on to learn how to find the best one.
Commercial intercom repair in NYC
If the commercial intercom system in your office building isn’t working properly, your tenants and their employees will struggle to manage access for guests and deliveries. And if employees rely on the intercom to grant themselves access, they could even get locked out of the office.
To ensure a positive tenant experience, repairing the system as quickly as possible is in your best interest. Please consult with your tenants to gather information about when the problem started and what issues they’re experiencing. These details will help your intercom repair person pinpoint and resolve the problem faster.
How to find the best NYC intercom repair person
You want to hire the best installer in NYC if you buy a new intercom system. Similarly, you should hire the best intercom repair service in NYC.
Your building’s intercom was a significant investment and an important amenity to your tenants. As such, make sure the repair is done right. The person or company you hire to repair your intercom should be reliable, reasonably priced, and experienced.
Here are four tips for finding the right intercom repair company:
1. Research online
When searching for the best intercom repair service in NYC, start online. Do some Google searches to gather a list of nearby intercom repair companies. It’s especially helpful to search for companies that serve your borough. For example, an intercom repair company in Brooklyn might not serve the Bronx.
Then, check out their online reviews on Google, Yelp, and other third-party sites. You can also check their social media presence to understand their business, services, and staff.
Remember that you have two options for intercom repair: a local specialist or a national security integrator.
- Local specialists are individuals who work independently or for a small local business. They can usually offer more tailored services and work more closely with you. However, you might not be able to find much information about them online.
- National security integrators are companies with a national presence that usually offer various industry services. Most security integrators have a strong web presence; however, you might not get truly personalized service.
2. Ask around your network
The best way to find a great intercom repair provider is by word of mouth. Have any of your colleagues hired an NYC intercom repair company before? Did the building down the street recently repair or replace its intercom system?
If so, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. Chances are, people in your network will be willing to share details about the company they hired.
Ask the person:
- How the repair went
- Whether the repair is holding up
- How long the project took
- The cost of the intercom repair (if they’re willing to share)
- Whether their quote matched the final cost of the repair
3. Narrow down your options
Once you’ve found a few good potential options based on your research and colleagues’ recommendations, check and ensure those companies offer the right type of intercom repair service. There’s no use contacting a company and requesting a quote if they don’t service the type of intercom you have.
If you’re considering a certain repair service company, carefully read their website and check to see if they service your intercom brand. Similarly, you should ensure the company services your building, whether it’s a multifamily, commercial, retail, or another kind of property.
If you can’t find pertinent information on the company’s website, call them. Explain the situation, and be sure to tell them the type of building and intercom you have. Ask if the project is in their wheelhouse.
4. Request referrals
Once you’ve contacted a potential intercom repair company, ask for referrals. Be specific—request referrals from repair projects similar to yours in terms of building size, industry, and scope of the repair.
The best NYC intercom repair people will happily refer you to satisfied customers.
Takeaways
- Intercoms can break due to improper installation, user error, wiring issues, weather conditions, or old age.
- If you want to troubleshoot the problem yourself, you should check for physical damage, check the wiring, and test your intercom’s voltage.
- To find the best intercom repair in NYC, research service providers online, ask for recommendations in your network, narrow down your options, request referrals, and always hire a certified installer.
Dealing with a broken intercom is a huge headache for any building owner or operator — especially in New York, where tenants are accustomed to simplified property access. But by finding and hiring the right repair provider, you can get your intercom back up and running with minimal disruption.
