One of the biggest concerns of any homeowner these days is home security. From steel entry doors to multi-point locks and home alarm systems, we go to great lengths to protect our homes and especially our loved ones. Are smart lock doors the best way to ensure the safety of your home?
Many homeowners opt for smart locks for their exterior doors. Smart locks are ideal for choosing who you wish to allow entry to your home. In addition, they are helpful in monitoring your home if you are away. Many smart locks have advanced features and can even use voice commands. Keep reading to find out the many benefits of smart locks for your entry doors.
Smart Door Locks for Enhanced Home Security
What Is a Smart Door Lock?
Smart locks are designed to lock and unlock doors by using a cryptographic key and wireless protocol. Also, they are designed to monitor and send alerts if any unusual or suspicious activity is detected. Some of the best smart locks have such features as email notifications, tamper alarms, and voice commands.
If your smart lock is Bluetooth enabled, you can operate the lock within a set range (normally within 40 feet). Otherwise, the smart locks with a Wi-Fi bridge or built-in Wi-Fi circuitry can be controlled from almost any location, given you have connected via your home router. Some smart locks also have the ability to keep an “activity log.” This will allow you to look back to see who has access to your home.
Advanced Smart Door Locks Also Have the Following Features:
- Voice activation: The system will be programmed to recognize your voice for commands, such as “unlock front door” or “lock garage door.”
- Geofencing: You can use the mobile app to set up a perimeter around your home for added security. The system will pinpoint your location and automatically lock the door once you have left the virtual perimeter.
- Auto-lock: This feature will lock your doors after they have remained unlocked for a predetermined timeframe.
- Keyless Touchpads: These touchpads are programmed with a code for those times when you do not have a key or your phone to lock/unlock the door.
- Forced Entry Alarms: You will be alerted via a push notification, email, or text in the event of a possible break-in.
Another benefit of smart door locks is that they can be integrated with other home devices, such as smoke alarms, carbon dioxide detectors, and even Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Moreover, some setups will even allow you to connect your smart lock to a video doorbell. However, remember that many additional features also mean additional costs!
How to Install a Smart Lock
Some smart locks may require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by the homeowner. You will have to completely remove your current lock if the new lock comes with both an interior and exterior component (such as an escutcheon for the inside and a touchpad for the outside). This includes the strike plate and deadbolt of the old lock.
However, most of today’s smart locks have pre-drilled holes. Besides, some of the newer models attach to the inside of your door and will work with your existing cylinder and hardware. The directions are included in the packing and can also be found online. The overall process should take no more than 20 minutes to complete.
Again, the more advanced smart lock systems may require professional installation. Your local windows and doors company and a professional locksmith should be able to assist you with this process.
Contact WindowTech Windows and Doors if you are interested in installing smart locks for your exterior doors. We can advise you as to what products will give you the most value and protection for your money. Call us today for a quote for smart locks as well as energy-efficient and secure windows and doors for your home.
