Dear Jim: I want to use fewer outdoor lights to save electricity, but I have trouble finding the keyhole quickly at night. What types of keyless or other secure locks are there so I can get in quickly in the dark? – Beth L.

Dear Beth: Many people are attacked each year while trying to get their front door open. Having a lighted entrance helps, but it does not ensure a thief is not hiding in the bushes. As you noted, even if you use efficient light bulbs, they still use much electricity when on for hours.

If you have an attached garage, drive into it and close the door even if you are planning to leave again soon. If you have a security system in your home, set up a silent code. If someone forces you indoors and tells you to input your code, this silent code calls the police without sounding the alarm.

Keyless deadbolts for your front door are quick to operate and reliable. They are particularly helpful if you have children who often lose keys. Most of them are designed to be easily installed by the homeowner.

I prefer the all mechanical keyless deadbolts over the ones that use batteries. Mechanical ones often are larger and not quite as decorative, but there is no operating cost or batteries to dispose of. The do-it-yourself kits include a template to precisely cut the mounting hole in the door.

The numbered buttons are fairly large because they operate mechanically and the entire unit is very strong. You will quickly become accustomed to the location of the buttons so you do not have to see the numbers on the buttons to input the access code. Push a final large enter button or turn a knob to open the deadbolt. The code can also be changed by taking the unit apart.

For the most convenience features, an electronic keyless deadbolt is good. This is particularly true if you want to include a second or third code for cleaning people or workmen to come indoors. On some of the keyless deadbolts, the electronics provide the option of setting only a given time range, 1:00 to 3:00 on Friday, for example, for a specific code to work.

The newest electronic keyless deadbolt, Smartscan by Kwikset, uses a biometric sensor to read fingerprints. It scans a person’s fingerprint through a tiny scanner on the bottom of the deadbolt. It uses a subdermal sensor, which can even read the fingerprint of dirty fingers.

The next step down in electronic keyless deadbolts is one with buttons. These usually operate on four AA batteries and allow for a second security code for baby sitters or cleaning people, but without the daily timing feature. Select one that has a low-battery-power indicator light so you know when to replace them. Even though it has a key slot as a backup, you probably won’t carry the key with you.

The following companies offer keyless deadbolts: Domino Engineering, 800-736-6466, www.dominoengineering.com; Kwikset, 800-327-5625, www.kwikset.com; Lockey Brand, 989-773-2363, www.lockeybrand.com; Preso-matic, 303-762-7373, www.presomatic.com; and Skylink Technologies, 800-304-1187, www.skylinktech.com.

Dear Jim: Our house is built into a hill and there is a moisture problem on the lower part of the bedroom wall, which is underground. When I replace the drywall, will first putting plastic against the wall fix this? – Jeff T.

Dear Jeff: Your problem is not uncommon. Although concrete foundations seem hard and solid, they are quite permeable to water from the soil. Over time, this moisture damages the drywall and can lead to severe mold problems. Just putting plastic under the drywall will not solve the problem. You must dig up the ground around the foundation and seal the wall from the outside. It might be wise to also install drainage tiles in that area.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Bangor Daily News, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.