What is a Smart Door Lock, and why do you need one

A smart door lock (aka automation system door lock, I would be using them interchangeably) is a security gadget that can be controlled from a distance by an application on your telephone, by a voice order, by a unique finger impression filter, or by a custom code.

With brilliant entryway locks, you can lock or open your entryway without a customary key, award impermanent or super durable admittance to visitors or specialist co-ops, screen who enters and leaves your home, and even mechanize your entryway to lock or open remotely.

In this blog entry, we will make sense of what automation system entryway locks are, how they work, what are their upsides and downsides, and how they contrast with ordinary locks. We will likewise give you a few hints on the most proficient method to pick the best savvy entryway lock for your requirements and spending plan.

What Are Smart Door Locks?

Smart door locks devices can be added to or replace the traditional locking system on a door, which is usually a deadbolt. With a smart lock in place, you can lock and unlock your door without a traditional key. Smart locks use Internet of Things (IoT) technology to provide multiple ways for you to open or close a door.

Some of the most common ways to control a smart lock are:

• Smartphone app: You can use an app on your phone to lock or unlock your door remotely, as well as view the status and history of your lock. Some apps also allow you to create and share virtual keys with other users, set access schedules, and receive notifications when someone uses the lock.
• Voice assistant: You can use a voice command to control your smart lock through a compatible smart speaker or device, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. For example, when you say “Alexa, lock the front door”
• Fingerprint scanner: You can use your fingerprint to unlock your door with a smart lock that has a built-in biometric sensor. This is a convenient and secure way to access your home without any keys or codes.
• Keypad: You can use a numeric code to unlock your door with a smart lock that has a touchpad or a physical keypad. You can create custom codes for yourself and others, and change them as needed.
• Proximity/ geofencing/ auto-unlock sensor: You can use your smartphone’s Bluetooth connection to unlock your door automatically when you are near it with a smart lock that has a proximity sensor. Th

How does an automation door lock work?

Smart door locks work by communicating with other devices through wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. Depending on the type of protocol, the smart lock may require a hub or a bridge to connect to the internet and enable remote access and integration with other smart home devices.

For example, Wi-Fi smart locks connect directly to your home’s Wi-Fi network and allow you to control them from anywhere with an internet connection. However, Wi-Fi smart locks tend to consume more battery power and may have compatibility issues with some routers or firewalls.

Bluetooth smart locks connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth and allow you to control them within a short range (usually up to 30 feet). Bluetooth smart locks are more energy-efficient and easier to install than Wi-Fi smart locks, but they do not offer remote access or integration unless you have a compatible hub or bridge.

Pros and Cons of a Smart Door Lock

Smart door locks offer many benefits over regular locks, but they also have some drawbacks that you should consider before buying one. Here are some of the pros and cons of smart door locks:

Pros:

• Convenience: With smart door locks you do not need to carry your keys around (physical keys can be easily lost, stolen, or duplicated).
• Security: Smart door locks enhance your home security by allowing you to monitor who enters and exits your home, receive alerts when someone tampers with the lock or tries to force it open, and remotely lock or unlock your door in case of an emergency. Some smart locks also have built-in alarms or cameras that can deter intruders.
• Access control: Smart door locks enable you to grant or revoke access to your home to anyone you want, anytime you want, and for as long as you want. You can create and share virtual keys with your family, friends, guests, or service providers, and set access schedules and permissions for each user. You can also track the activity of each user and revoke their access if needed.
• Automation: Smart door locks allow you to automate your door to lock or unlock based on certain triggers, such as your location, time of day, or other smart home devices. For example, you can set your smart lock to lock when you leave your home, unlock when you arrive, or lock when your smart thermostat detects that you are asleep.

Cons:

• Cost: Smart door locks are more expensive than regular locks, ranging from $100 to $300 or more depending on the features and brand. You may also need to buy additional accessories, such as a hub, a bridge, a smart speaker, or a smart doorbell to make the most of your smart lock.
• Installation: Smart door locks may require some installation work that can be challenging for some homeowners. You may need to replace your existing deadbolt, drill holes in your door or frame, or adjust the alignment of your door and lock. You may also need to check the compatibility of your smart lock with your door type, size, and thickness, as well as your Wi-Fi network and router.
• Battery life: Smart door locks run on batteries, These batteries need to be replaced periodically. If the batteries run out unexpectedly, you may lose some functionality or access to your smart lock until you replace them. Some smart locks have backup power options, such as a micro-USB port or a physical keyhole, but not all of them do.
• Reliability: Smart door locks are not perfect, they rely on wireless connections to work. In the event of network interference, poor signal strength, or network outages you may not be able to control your smart lock remotely or integrate it with other devices. Some smart locks have offline modes that allow you to use them locally with Bluetooth or a keypad, but not all of them do.

How Do Smart Door Lock Compare to Regular Locks?

Smart door locks are designed to improve the functionality and security of regular locks, but they are not necessarily superior in every aspect. Here are some of the main differences between smart door locks and regular locks:

• Keyless entry: Smart door locks offer keyless entry options that regular locks do not have, such as smartphone app, voice assistant, fingerprint scanner, or keypad. However, some people may prefer the simplicity and familiarity of using a physical key to open their door.
• Remote access: Smart door locks provide remote access capabilities that regular locks do not have, such as locking or unlocking your door from anywhere with an internet connection, granting or revoking access to others remotely, and receiving notifications when someone uses the lock. However, some people may not need or want these features and may prefer to keep their door locked manually.
• Integration: Smart door locks allow integration with other smart home devices that regular locks do not have, such as smart speakers, smart cameras, smart thermostats, or smart lights. This can create a more seamless and convenient smart home experience. However, some people may not have or use other smart home devices and may prefer to keep their door separate from them.
• Security: Smart door locks enhance the security of regular locks by adding features such as alarms, cameras, tamper alerts, auto-locking, and access logs. However, smart door locks also introduce new security risks that regular locks do not have, such as hacking, spoofing, or malfunctioning.

Tips on How to Choose the Best Smart Door Lock

If you are interested in getting a smart door lock for your home or business, here are some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs and budget:

• Consider your existing door and lock: Before buying a smart door lock, make sure it is compatible with your existing door and lock. Check the type, size, and thickness of your door and the model and dimensions of your deadbolt. Some smart locks are designed to replace your entire deadbolt, while others are designed to fit over it. Depending on the product you purchase, some smart locks may require drilling holes in your door or frame, while others may not.
• Consider the features and functionality: Think about what features and functionality you want from your smart door lock. Do you want a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or Zigbee connection?

Conclusion

Do you want an app, a voice assistant, a fingerprint scanner, a keypad, a proximity sensor, remote access, integration, automation, or security alerts? Do you want a backup power option, a physical keyhole, or an offline mode? Compare different models and brands of smart locks and see what they offer.

We hope you found this blog post useful. Do you want to schedule a meeting with us to discuss the installation of a smart door lock in your home? Start a WhatsApp chat with our sales rep. Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you may have, and we will get back to you right away. Visit the Louis Valentino Newsroom for more articles similar to this one, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.