Smart Locks and Traditional Keys
We use technology daily. Keys have gone through extreme mechanical and technological innovation. 6,000 years ago, wooden pin locks were used in Mesopotamia; for the next 17 centuries, we used locks and keys with bronze and iron; now we can unlock our doors with the touch of a button, a voice command, or using biometric methods.
Many of us use traditional door locks and keys, for both our homes and businesses. Smart locks offer connectivity to your smart home or office, as well as security without keys. The variety of smart locks gives you choices from letting you open and close your door with your phone; to monitoring who enters and exits; to assigning different access codes to family, friends, or others who need to enter your home.
How Secure Are Smart Locks?
Smart locks are a wi-fi device, so it is possible to breach this type of technology as with any wi-fi device. Smart lock technology and communication from reputable manufacturers that allows hackers to trigger the lock is highly encrypted. In this way, smart locks can reduce security risks, but that does not mean there are no risks with smart locks. Also, batteries in battery-powered smart locks must be monitored and replaced on schedule.
Smart Lock Installation
Different smart locks are more involved than others to install, but can be DIY. Smart locks with an interior escutcheon (housing that’s mounted on the inside of the door) and an exterior component/device (touch keys, touchpad or a keyed cylinder) require you to remove the current lock, deadbolt, and strike plate. Once that’s done, you can install the smart lock. Most smart locks come with standard pre-drilled holes so you don’t need to drill anything.
Are Smart Locks Expensive?
As with most new technology, the more mainstream it becomes, the more affordable it becomes. Smart locks include hardware (locking mechanism), the “smart” hardware (computer chips, sensors, etc.), and the software (encryption programs, etc.) Depending on what you need in your smart locks, you can find them affordably priced.
Feature to Consider
Different people require different features for their smart lock. Here are some things to think about:
- Do you want to keep your traditional lock and add a smart lock?
- Do you need or want to use codes for different people?
- Do you need a smart locks that syncs with your existing security system?
- Do you need a smart locks that integrates with your smart home?
- Do you want a smart lock that is voice-activation: “Unlock the back door.”
- Will you need notifications to your phone so you can monitor who is coming and going?
- Does the smart lock offer activity logs?
- Do you need a phone that auto-locks when you leave?
And, of course, what is your budget and how many doors will you convert?
Learn More About Going Keyless
The market offers a wide selection of smart locks that will fit your life and needs, as well as bring home security to a new level, allowing you to retire your traditional house key. Now you can simply replace your existing lock with a smart lock that you can control with your phone, or go to a smart lock system that integrates with your home security system.
We found two helpful and reliable sources of that compare and review smart locks:
We recommend researching the kind and style of smart lock you need or want and finding a reputable manufacture who makes a smart lock that fits your needs before making the switch. If you’re not ready to give up your traditional key, make sure you keep track of any duplicate keys, hide spares in inconspicuous places, and always lock your door when you leave.
We’re Here For You
With just a quick click, request a no-obligation quote today or you can call us at 888-788-0813. Whether you’re looking for a security system or looking to upgrade an existing one, we’ll help keep your home and your business safe and secure.
