Why did houses have intercoms?
Emily Sparks
Published Mar 10, 2026
Why did houses have intercoms?
The intercom essentially served as a house phone without having to dial, wait for someone to answer, or leave a message. You could simply press a button and call out to a family member in another part of the house, informing them that dinner was ready, the trash needed to be taken out, the in-laws had arrived, etc.
What can a home intercom system be used for?
Home intercom systems can be used to communicate between rooms and areas of the home. They can also be used as a smart doorbell. Video doorbell options that connect to a home intercom system are especially popular, as they allow homeowners to see who is at the door before opening it. This can keep homeowners safe.
How much does a wireless intercom system cost?
The budget-friendly intercom starts at $40 for a single station. It boasts an impressive ½ mile range and 7 available channels. If you opt into the 3 or more station package, you can use up to 10 channels.
Can a baby monitor be used as an intercom?
Baby monitors have a market all their own, but many home intercom systems can be used to keep track of children in the home. Common features that parents look for in a home intercom system that can be used as a baby monitor include a video monitoring feature and the ability to take the monitor with them around the home.
Which is the best wireless doorbell intercom system?
Optex IVPDH IVision+ Wireless Intercom with Video 10. LaView Wireless Video Doorbell 11. Samcom FPCN10A GMRS Walkie Talkie 12. Hosmart 1500 ft. Wireless Doorbell Intercom System 13. Guardline Wireless Intercom System 14. Qniglo Wireless Intercom System 10 Channel ½ Mile Long Range
Can a wired intercom system be installed in a new house?
Wired intercom systems are more easily installed when a home is under construction, though it is possible to retrofit a wired system if you aren’t intimidated by installing behind-the-wall wiring. Can be installed as part of a whole-house, structured media plan, which may include a security/surveillance system and home automation.
Which is the best wireless intercom system for your home?
Wireless intercom systems are the most cost- and labor-effective choice for DIYers who want to add an intercom to an existing home. Wireless intercoms are up and running within minutes of installation because the master station and substations all plug into ordinary electrical outlets or operate on batteries.
How many radio stations does the IST intercom system support?
The IST intercom system supports 17 room stations and two door stations, and supports wires already in place from previous intercom systems, no matter whether there are 3, 4, 6 or 8 wires. The IST system also supports 10 preset AM and FM radio stations.
Are there any other intercom systems besides NuTone?
Also, there is M&S Systems, which is a popular alternative to NuTone. Third, the newest intercom brand at Home Controls is Intrasonic Technology – or IST – and it offers a newer intercom system with more features than what has been seen in other retrofit choices, including iPod connections and Bluetooth capabilities.