Ever had a kid who forgot their keys? Or have you ever driven to work only to realize that your forgot to lock your doors?
Don't worry. You're in good company.
Situations like that are why "smart" locks were invented: To replace the "dumb" key-only locks and end key fumbling forever.
What are smart locks and how do they work?
A smart lock is an electromechanical lock that's designed to lock and unlock when it receives instructions from an authorized wireless device. These devices can include a special key, your laptop, or your smartphone.
For example, let's say you're halfway to work when—dang—you realize you left the front door unlocked!
No problem. You pull out your smart phone and use an app to lock the door. Now you can work with no worries.
Smart locks also usually come with features like:
- Remotely check the door lock status
- Receive text or email messages when the door is locked or unlocked
- Built-in keypad, allowing you to lock and unlock the door using multiple codes
Here's an example smart lock model: Yale Real Living Touchscreen Deadbolt
Getting fancy: Smart locks can sync with home automation systems
Let's say you don't want to ever manually lock your front door again.
You can do that by getting a smart lock that can sync with a home automation system, like Honeywell's Total Connect.
For example, let's say you had the Schlage smart lock installed, and it's synced with your Total Connect smart panel. You can set up a "scene" where your security system and door will automatically lock 10 minutes after you typically leave your home.
Of course, not every smart lock can sync with every home automation system. You have to make sure they're compatible.
Going back to our previous example, the Schlage smart lock is compatible with a Honeywell smart panel because both use Z-wave technology, which is the technology that the smart devices use to talk to each other.
If you're worried about getting incompatible smart equipment, then contact Ackerman Security and we can build a home automation system for you (if you're in our service area).
So will smart locks replace all your dumb locks?
Right now? Probably not.
Smart locks cost more than regular key-only locks. But as production costs lower with time, smart locks may become the new standard.
For now, though, you could benefit from just getting a smart lock for your front door, which is the door you use most often and is, ironically, the #1 entryway for burglars.
Interested in smart locks?
Contact us to see your smart lock options.