Smart locks are the newest innovation in home security products. It might seem like the locks are rising in popularity. There are many factors to consider in deciding whether to change your old deadbolt for a new smart lock.
Are smart locks the right choice for you?
Pros & Cons of Smart Locks
The Pros of Using Smart Locks
To summarize the pros of smart locks, they provide connectivity and control. With a smart lock, you can be aware if your door is locked, and you have the power to grant or deny access with an app on your smartphone. It’s modern and convenient and grants you peace of mind.
Pro: Locks Work With Smartphones
One of the best things about smart locks is smartphone integration. Once you download the app that works with a smart lock, users can lock and unlock the door from afar.
Instead of wracking your brain to remember if you locked up, you can depend on the lock app. The app will verify whether you completed what’s arguably the most important task in securing your home.
So, if you leave for a road trip and don’t remember if the front door is locked, there’s no reason to turn around and go home! You can check and, in some cases, even lock the door from the app.
Pro: Connectivity Throughout Your House
The entire purpose of a smart lock is to add convenience to your life. Smart locks include features like remote access and voice control to make your life easier. And with a smart assistant, like Google and Amazon, you can create settings that dim the lights, adjust the thermostat, and lock your front door.
Pro: Let In Friends When You’re Away
If you’re a vacation rental owner or someone who has friends and family visiting, a smart lock can make life easier for everyone.
No more making key copies or hiding a spare set. Instead, you can give out digital keys using the lock’s app. And with some locks, you can restrict what times someone is allowed to use their key. You can allow specific users to enter only on specific days and times, like Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Smart lock apps can also allow roommates and family members unlimited access, so the security system works for your entire household.
Pro: Reduce Or Eliminate Keys
Smart locks end the risk of someone snagging your spare key from under your doormat. Without the need to make key copies or have a spare, you’ll have fewer methods of entry to your home floating around.
The Cons of a Smart Door Lock
Is all this convenience important to you? Is a smart lock truly going to enhance your life? To make your decision, you’ll have to weigh the convenience against the cost and the adjustments you’ll have to make.
Con: Cost and Installation
A traditional deadbolt generally costs less than $50. If you want to replace the deadbolt you already have, it can be fairly straightforward.
But, smart locks cost much more, mostly between $150 and $300. That’s a sizeable investment for something you probably already have that still works fine. And installation may be tricky, especially if you’re going for complete connectivity.
Con: Tech-Savvy Skills
Keyless locks are great for tech-savvy homeowners, according to the National Crime Prevention Institute. But the latest isn’t the greatest for someone who struggles to keep up with each “smart” gizmo that comes out. The lock needs to fit the users.
If you have a hard time navigating new technology updates, keyless locks probably aren’t for you.
Con: Technology Sometimes Fails
People often wisely admit that technology is fantastic when it works properly. However, when things go wrong, they’re often left wondering why they didn’t just stick with tried-and-true methods. Some individuals feel that way after installing smart locks, especially after discovering limitations.
The Bottom Line. Should You Get A Smart Lock?
Smart locks aren’t right for everyone. Take time to consider your specific needs before investing in any piece of smart-home technology.
Will it bring you peace of mind, or will it cost you? It’s a complicated question that, particularly since it centers around your home security, takes a lot of consideration.
If you think smart locks are right for you and your property, here are some locks that A Carolina Locksmith recommends:
- Schlage Encode Smart WiFi DeadBolt