As we enter the new year, why not make one of your resolutions to have a safer, more secure home or business. With an average of 498 burglaries a day across England and Wales, taking proactive steps to improve your security can provide invaluable peace of mind and protect your property. Investing in quality locks can make a significant difference in deterring potential intruders.
In this blog, we’ll help you get to grips with what a smart lock is and find out whether it’s the right choice for you.
What’s wrong with a good old-fashioned lock and key you say? Well if it’s a strong, high-quality lock then, nothing actually! But there are so many other benefits to a smart lock that a standard lock and key just can’t compete with.
So, what exactly is a smart lock? Well, a smart lock is a modern, electronic locking system that improves security and convenience by allowing you to control access to your home or business through devices such as smartphones, tablets, or voice assistants. Unlike traditional door locks that require physical keys, smart locks work by using digital methods like keypads, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or fingerprint recognition to unlock. Many smart locks also offer features like remote access, activity logs, and integration with smart home systems, providing a secure, customisable, and keyless solution for managing entry to your property.
The most common connectivity options for smart locks are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Z-Wave. Each type offers unique benefits depending on your needs and setup.
Bluetooth smart locks work by connecting directly to your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled devices within a specific range. The range is typically around 10–20 meters, allowing you to automatically lock and unlock your door without the need for physical keys as long as you are within proximity.
Bluetooth is an excellent choice due to its low energy consumption, making it both cost-effective and capable of extending the battery life of your locks. It is also ideal for homeowners who don’t need a remote control but still want a simple and secure connection. Why not pair this style of lock with a video doorbell (sold separately) for extra security and control of your property. With a quick and straightforward set-up to your device, your locks can be ready to go in no time!
It is, however, important to be aware of the limitations that come with a Bluetooth locking system, such as its limited range, which requires you to be within proximity to operate the lock, and the lack of remote access unless it is paired with a Wi-Fi bridge.
Wi-Fi-enabled locks connect directly to your home network, allowing for remote access and control via an app or smart assistant. This is great as it means you can still control your lock for anywhere! This is ideal for letting guests or deliveries in or for checking your lock status while you are away.
If you’d like for your smart lock to have the ability to work seamlessly with your smart home ecosystems (Alexa or Google Home) then Wifi might be the right fit for you. With the ability to get real-time updates (often through smart speakers), notifications, and view your activity log, you can always feel in control – wherever you may be. Keep in mind that increased control comes with higher energy consumption, as the lock remains constantly connected to the network. Due to their reliance on Wifi it is important to note that your locking system will depend on having a stable internet connection to function.
Z-Wave locks use a low-power wireless communication protocol to connect to a Z-Wave hub, which then links to your smart home network. Sounds a bit complicated we know, but bare with us!
Z-Wave devices form a mesh network, where signals can hop between devices, this gives you the brilliant ability to extend coverage across larger homes. Like Bluetooth, this style of connectivity is energy-efficient, which is great for prolonging the battery life of your smart lock. It also works very well with other Z-Wave-compatible devices, like lights and sensors, which is great for creating a fully connected ecosystem.
Like other options, Z-Wave has its limitations. It requires a Z-Wave hub to connect to your network, which of course does then add to your overall cost. Additionally, Z-Wave is less common than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, meaning there are fewer compatible devices available for integration.
There are wide range of smart locks on the market, each designed to suit specific needs. Whether you’re looking to secure your home, rental property, or office, your use case will play a key role in determining the right lock for you. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular smart locks:
A smart version of the traditional deadbolt, this lock replaces or modernises your existing lock hardware with smart technology. It often integrates with apps or voice assistants for convenient control. A deadbolt smart lock is ideal for homes or offices that already use standard deadbolts and want a seamless upgrade without any major installation changes.
A downside of the deadbolt smart lock is that, unlike other smart locks, the lock’s functionality is tied to the strength of the existing deadbolt mechanism. It also may not be compatible with all doors, so it’s a good idea to consult a trusted locksmith before purchasing any smart locks.
A smart lock deadbolt is a full deadbolt replacement that includes smart features like keyless entry, remote access, and integration with smart home systems. This is perfect for people who are seeking a complete security upgrade with added convenience and remote control capabilities.
However, do consider that installation may require replacing the entire deadbolt, which can be more complex than retrofitting. The smart lock deadbolt typically comes at a higher price point than basic smart locks too, so if you’re looking for value for money this might not be the right solution for you.
A keypad smart lock is exactly as it sounds; a smart lock with a built-in keypad that allows access via PIN codes. Some models also have the ability to integrate with apps for additional control. This type of lock is great for shared spaces like rental properties, Airbnb’s or busy families where it would be beneficial for multiple people to have access and the ability to lock remotely without the need to have spare keys.
A downside to having access to the property via pin codes is that they could be forgotten but more worryingly they could be shared, which could potentially compromise security. It’s also worth considering that they rely on regular battery changes to function.
These locks work by using fingerprint recognition as the primary access method, offering advanced security and keyless convenience. This style of smart lock would be ideal for tech-savvy homeowners or offices that are looking for quick, secure access without the need for keys or codes.
It is important to note that there are generally higher upfront costs for biometric smart locks as they require the need for reliable fingerprint recognition technology, which again isn’t the cheapest. Although this isn’t a major concern it’s worth bearing in mind that other smart locks could struggle with wet or dirty fingers, so if you work on a building side or somewhere that generally doesn’t stay very clean, this might not be the best smart lock for your property.
When considering your first smart lock, it’s essential to understand how it can improve not just your security but your entire smart home ecosystem. Many smart door locks offer features like voice control, which allows you to lock and unlock your doors using major smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. To makes things even more convenient, some models include a fingerprint lock with a built-in fingerprint scanner, giving you quick and secure access. As you research options, compare smart lock deals to find one that fits your needs, whether it’s for interior doors or your main entry. Additionally, check for smart home compatibility and how well the lock integrates with smart home integration features, like syncing with smart lights or managing multiple devices seamlessly.
With a vast range of locks on the market, it’s important to take your time and properly evaluate the benefits and the challenges of each smart lock so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money, fully understand how it works, and are aware of its weaknesses.
Unlike a standard front door lock that requires little to no maintenance, smartlocks although convenient in the short term, do require looking after from time to time. Battery replacement is one issue that affects most smart locks, as frequent usage and constant connectivity will drain the battery. This means it is important to regularly monitor your front door lock and when needed replace the battery quickly to ensure uninterrupted functionality.
Regular cleaning is also recommended for all smart locks. This is because dirt, dust, and grime can accumulate over time, potentially interfering with the lock’s mechanisms or sensors and affecting its overall performance and longevity. Alongside cleaning, software updates are also vital for all smart locks to ensure they stay functioning correctly and remain secure against potential cyber threats. Keeping your smart lock regularly updated also helps it to remain compatible with the latest smart home systems.
There are many fantastic smart locks available, each offering unique benefits that traditional locks and keys simply can’t match. For example, the convenient ability to control your locks from abroad, having a built-in fingerprint sensor, or the capability to link your lock to other smart home devices for hands-free control. Despite the positives, it’s equally important to understand and consider their potential drawbacks. From higher energy consumption to expensive installation, smart locks come with challenges that may not suit every user. For unbias, friendly advice from a team of professionals contact us today. So, what do you say, new year new lock system?
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