The Convenience of a Smart Front Door Lock
Smart locks offer a wide range of convenience features. Some of them work with smart home systems like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, or with hub devices that use Z-Wave technology.
Others work with a mobile app that connects over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Some models even let you give a virtual key to people such as dog walkers or cleaners for a set period of time.
1. Convenience
A smart front door lock negates the need for big, clunky house keys and offers an extra level of convenience. Homeowners can assign unique passcodes to family members, friends, dog walkers, housekeepers and tradespeople who need to enter the home on occasion. The code can then be revoked from the smartphone at any time, so these people no longer have access to the house. And when the homeowner is ready to return, they can unlock their door with a smartphone app or keypad without having to fumble around for a spare key.
Many smart locks use Wi-Fi to communicate, meaning homeowners can control their front doors from anywhere. They can also see if their doors are locked and who is there, and some models can even alert them when someone approaches. You can also connect your smart lock with your voice assistant to have hands-free access from the kitchen while you’re cooking or doing dishes.
If you’re selling your home, a smart lock can add a layer of security and convenience for potential buyers. They can set up a custom smart-home scenario that takes effect just before they open the door, like having the foyer light turn on and the automated shades go up while a favorite song plays. This kind of customization can give a positive first impression and make the home stand out from others on the market.
2. Security
A smart lock allows you to remotely monitor who is entering your home. This is particularly beneficial if you employ people like house cleaners or gardeners who need to access your home, or if you have teenagers who might be tempted to break their curfew. Many smart locks allow you to create a series of temporary “keys” that can be used by specific individuals during certain time periods. This is perfect for dog walkers or babysitters who come to your home during the day.
You can also add an additional layer of security by integrating your smart lock into a home security system. This allows you to connect the lock to your Wi-Fi network and then monitor it along with other smart devices like a smart alarm system smart front door lock or bright lights. This makes it easy to check that your door is locked before you head out or even to see if your kids made it home from school on time!
When choosing a smart lock, be sure to consider its IP rating and its ability to withstand various weather conditions. It’s also important to find one that works with your smart devices and has a user-friendly app. You’ll want to make sure it’s compatible with your existing deadbolt, too. The best smart locks are designed to work with a wide range of standard deadbolts, so they’re sure to fit your home.
3. Energy efficiency
Using a smart lock as part of a home automation sequence helps homeowners save energy by minimizing the use of lights and automated shades when they leave the house. It also ensures that the door is securely locked before leaving, avoiding costly air conditioning or heating waste while they’re out of town.
A good smart lock will allow homeowners to easily keep track of who is entering their home. Most models feature an easy-to-use smartphone app that clearly shows who has accessed the home and at what time. This allows users to know who is coming and going at all times, which provides peace of mind.
Many smart locks can be integrated into a full smart-home system for increased functionality. For instance, the Schlage Connect uses geofencing to unlock hands-free when it senses your phone is smart front door lock nearby, making it a great choice for holiday rentals or busy homes with lots of guests.
While a smart lock can be used as a stand-alone product, most homeowners will find that it’s more convenient and useful when it’s connected to a hub or other devices in their home. This enables them to set up customized smart-home scenarios that are triggered when they enter or exit the front door, such as a “Welcome Home” routine that turns on the foyer light and automatically raises the drapes or a “Goodnight” routine that locks the doors and powers down electronics.
4. Home automation
A smart lock can be integrated into a connected home system to enhance your home security. This can include integration with a smart doorbell camera, giving you the ability to see who’s at your door before opening it. It can also work with a personalized passcode that you give to guests, in-home deliveries or service professionals for temporary access to your home. This can eliminate the worry of someone losing your key and allows you to control when those people are allowed in, without the need for them to call you.
Connecting a smart lock to your Wi-Fi network enables you to monitor and control it remotely. Often this will require a small plug-in bridge that will allow the smart lock to connect with your home’s network. The best smart locks will work with a number of popular hub devices, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This will allow you to lock your door with voice commands, query your virtual assistant to see if the door is locked and integrate your smart lock with other systems, such as lighting, the thermostat or your home security alarm.
High quality smart locks also allow you to easily create virtual keys for friends and family members, trusted tradespeople and dog walkers. This can be done via a smartphone app and can be revoked just as quickly, giving you the control to grant short-term access for anyone that needs to visit your home while you’re away.
