Keyless entry to the entrance and to the parking lot is already common in new buildings. And the tenants appreciated the convenience of this technology. No need to look for keys in your pocket for a long time – the door opens automatically when you approach. Modern smart solutions allow you to install a similar smart lock on the front door of your apartment or private house.
Why are smart locks needed?
A smart lock is a device that allows you to remove a physical key from an owner-key-lock scheme. The gadget has a lot of advantages:
An attacker will not be able to open your door with a master key, and it is difficult to hack the software part.
Forget paranoid thoughts if you’ve closed the lock. Information about the status of the door (open / closed) can be found in the application on your phone.
The device can have several options, such as alarm and fire protection tasks.
Use your phone to open the door for guests, even if you haven’t arrived home yet.
The lock can be integrated into the existing Smart Home system and create scenarios for repetitive actions.
There are different types of Smart locks by purpose and installation method. How to choose the right one for you?
Choosing a smart lock
The role of a physical key in the case of smart locks is played by a code, fingerprint, voice authorization, or a command from an application in the phone. It is good when different types of identification can be combined. For example, a digital code and a fingerprint. What else do you need to know when choosing a device?
Smart devices operate using communication protocols. Some of them support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. But the most common wireless protocol is Z-Wave. If you are considering further integration of the lock into the Smart Home system, you need to take into account the compatibility of communication protocols and the availability of such capabilities in the gadget itself.
Functional. There are devices that perform exclusively the function of a lock, but there are devices with built-in motion sensors, a video camera, and smoke catchers. Some of them are able to send a message to the owner about a hacking attempt and other abnormal situations.
Reliability. This includes both the likelihood of burglary (biometric and combined models are more reliable in this regard), as well as the strength of the case, the thickness and alloy of the crossbar (aluminum alloys are less durable).
Installation method. Hinged models do not require replacing the old lock and cylinder; to install them, you only need to drill a few holes in the door. You can even cope with their installation yourself. More complex and reliable mortise devices imply a complete replacement of the mechanical lock, and sometimes the laying of electrical wiring.
Power: electrical wiring, batteries or rechargeable batteries (if the model is running on batteries, check if there is an early warning function to change the batteries).
