What do you get when you automate your door locks? Automated door locks that enable you to access your home using your smartphone. You also get to improve your home security system allowing you to watch, access and protect your home.
In the US, there are 2.3 million to 2.6 million robberies every year. This translates to one burglary every 13 seconds. July is the worst month for home invasions. Why?
A vast majority of homeowners are on vacation or out of town. Want to deter burglars while you are away at work or on vacation? You need the best security door locks.
Read on and learn tips for upgrading your home to automated door locks.
1. Choose the Right Protocol
Smart locks communicate with your smartphone and other smart devices in your home. To do so, they have to use one of the following protocols:
- Z-wave
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
Let’s start with Z-Wave. To lock and unlock your automated door locks, have a Z-Wave compatible hub. This hub works by translating the Z-Wave’s signal into a signal your router understands.
By doing so, you are able to connect to your automated door lock.
Two examples of Z-Wave compatible hubs include Wink Hub and Samsung’s SmartThings. Each of the hubs can work with third-party smart locks. With a range of 120 feet, your device needs to be close to lock or unlock your doors.
You can also find WiFi-enabled smart locks that connect to your smartphone thanks to the use of a bridge. The bridge plugs into a power outlet and creates a connection between the locks and router.
With a compatible app, you can lock and unlock your home as long as there is an internet connection.
Bluetooth is another common protocol used in smart locks. With a limited range of around 300 feet, you have to be close to lock and unlock your best door locks. The advantage of Bluetooth is that it does not drain your automation door lock battery fast.
2. Type of Automated Door Locks
When shopping, you will come across a variety of smart door locks. Before buying the best locks, know what options are available.
- Keypad smart lock
- Smartphone access smart locks
- Biometric smart locks
A keypad smart lock requires you to have a pin code. By using the pin code, you can lock and unlock your doors. This type of smart lock has several benefits. For starters, it is easy to use.
Second, it allows you to set up different pin codes for your family members. This allows you to know who is coming and who is going.
Third, some models come with an LCD screen. This allows you to confirm the pin code before locking or unlocking your door.
The other type of smart lock is the keyless and wireless type. This model allows you to lock and unlock your doors remotely using your smartphone. Since it relies on an internet connection, you can secure your door from anywhere in the world.
This type of smart lock comes with a dedicated app. As such, you can also connect to a smart home hub like Amazon Echo or Apple Homekit.
A biometric smart lock uses your fingerprint to work. As a good security option, it works by scanning your fingerprint. It converts your fingerprint into a numeric template and records it in its database.
With this type of lock, you can use it to grant your family members access to your home even when you are away.
3. Type of Door
Securing your front door with an automated door lock gives you peace of mind. But you can also secure other doors in your home. For instance, your bedroom doors, garage doors, and sliding doors.
When shopping for automated door locks for your bedroom doors, go for models marked for interior use only. They come in a variety of designs, colors, and finishes. As such, you can match your décor much easier.
For your garage door, you will find models that work with your home’s WiFi signals. Some are compatible with smart hubs such as Google Assistant or Z-Wave protocols. Others have remote door sensors and even work with a dedicated app on your smartphone.
When choosing a smart door lock for your front and back door, find a model that works with your existing door lock. As such, you can secure your door using the conventional lock and your new smart lock.
Let’s assume your front or back door had the conventional door lock with a manual thumb turn. By choosing a combination smart lock, experts replace the manual thumb turn. This allows you to open your door with your key as well as with voice commands for the smart lock.
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4. Auto Lock and Unlock
There are locks that secure your home automatically when you have your phone with you. Here is how it works. Using Bluetooth, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi, the smart lock detects your phone at a certain distance.
This technology is possible thanks to geofencing. As you approach the door, the smart lock recognizes your smartphone and unlocks the door. Once you are inside, the smart lock can lock automatically after a user prescribed period of time.
This type of automation door lock is ideal for those who have trouble adapting to new technology. It is also suitable for seniors with rheumatism, arthritis and muscular hand issues. The model works with simple Apple Siri commands or Google Assistant voice commands.
5. Weatherproof and ANSI Lock Quality Rating
Before buying a smart lock, we recommend that you check its weatherproof rating. This is true if you are buying for your front and back doors. The reason for this is to protect and extend the life of the lock.
A smart lock has sensitive internal parts. If exposed to weather elements such as rain, and snow can result in damage and lower its lifespan. When shopping, choose a model that can withstand adverse weather conditions.
Want to protect your home against picking and other physical attacks? Check the ANSI lock quality rating. There are three levels of lock quality rating:
- Grade 1 – reserved for commercial applications and has the strongest grade
- Grade 2 – designed for residential homes
- Grade 3 – supplements Grade 1 and 2
For your home, go with Grade 2 for the front, back and garage doors. To improve security, add Grade 3 level smart locks.
Securing Your Home with Automated Door Locks
There are more factors to consider when upgrading to the automated door locks. You have battery life, cost, fit and finish. With smart locks on your doors, it makes your life more convenient and assures you of peace of mind.
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