The convergence of technology and convenience has ushered in a new era for homeowners and residents alike. One of the most significant revolutions in recent years is the rise of smart home technology, and nowhere is this more pronounced than in the compact yet sophisticated spaces of condominium units and homes.
As urban landscapes continue to evolve, so too does our approach to the way we interact with our living spaces. From intelligent lighting systems to automated security features, the infusion of smart home technology is reshaping the very fabric of home living, offering residents a seamless blend of comfort, security, and efficiency.
As such, smart door locks have become a staple in the repertoire of modern home living, offering residents a level of control and accessibility that was once confined to the realm of science fiction. No longer tethered to physical keys, property dwellers now embrace keyless entry systems that can be effortlessly managed through smartphones or voice-activated assistants. This not only eliminates the need for cumbersome keychains but also enhances security through features like temporary digital keys, activity logs, and remote monitoring.
In this article, we will dive deeper into the astounding benefits of smart door locks as well as its disadvantages so you can properly discern whether it is worth your money or not.
What are the Advantages of a Smart Door Lock?
Convenient Keyless Entry
We’ve pretty certain you’ve lost a few keys before, and duplicated a couple ones so you will have a spare the moment your keys decided to take a walk into the oblivion and never came back. We knew that sinking feeling when you realized that your home keys aren’t in your pockets or in the place you’ve thought it would be.
Well, it’s time to say goodbye to your deadbolt days as smart locks will completely change the way you safeguard your home. For starters, you don’t have to rummage through your bags or pockets just to find a key. You can simply enter your unique passcode on the number keypad lock, dab your finger on the fingerprint reader, or unlock your door via the Bluetooth connection on your phone. Say you have unexpected friends or relatives coming over while you are away from home, you can set unique passcodes for each and enable remote access.
Reynaers Aluminium also adds that smart locks are also great for those who are suffering from mobility issues such as Parkinson’s disease, arthrities, cerebral palsy, and the elderlies.
Improved Security
It has been a practice for some homeowners to hide duplicates keys somewhere in their porch or entrust a copy to their neighbors for unexpected moments that they got locked out of their house. But thing is, burglars are also getting smarter and has mastered the common locations of these duplicate keys.
However, smart home devices such as smart lock eliminates such practice. You don’t have to hide duplicate key somewhere in your property. Moreover, robbers will have a hard time picking your existing lock especially if you’ve installed one without obvious keyholes. Just enable auto lock feature and you can easily go on your day with peace of mind knowing your property and valuables are safe and secured.
For those who want to upgrade their doors but do not want to change their existing deadbolt, retrofit smart lock is the best option for you! It is the safest option for home renters who want to upgrade the security of their home less the altering on their rented property.
Home Automation
Smart locks don’t provide you with state-of-the-art home security but plays a role in controlling the smart home platforms’ other features as well. For instance, most smart locks can trigger the lights to lit up, turn on the air conditioning, and disable home alarms the moment you unlock the door. Conversely, if you are going outside, these features will immediately act up the moment you closed your front door.
Easily Track Your Home while You are Away
Of course, you will have that itching feeling to check on the state of your house while you are on a trip or vacation. The best smart locks out there let you do this task with ease. You can easily keep an eye on whose going in out and of your door. This is also helpful when you have other people coming over to your house such as maids, gardeners, maintenance services, or companies delivering your parcels.
Audit Trail
Most smart locks keep a record or log of who enters and exits your home and when. This audit trail can be useful for monitoring activity and keeping track of who has accessed your property. So, aside from keeping an eye on your property from the security cameras, you can back it up with an audit trail coming from your smart lock!
Smart Lock: The Drawbacks
While smart locks offer various advantages, there are also potential drawbacks and considerations to be aware of:
Dependency on Power
Smart locks require a power source, whether it’s batteries or a connection to your home’s electrical system. If the batteries run out or there’s a power outage, you might be temporarily locked out. Make sure to keep track on the battery life of your device; if there’s an indication that the batteries needs to be replaced, change them immediately.
Prone to Cyberattacks
Most smart locks operate via wi fi bridge, making them susceptible to cyberattacks and other technological vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to choose a reputable brand and regularly update the firmware to address potential security flaws.
Internet Dependence
In relation to above, remote access and control of smart locks often rely on an internet connection. If your internet is down or experiencing issues, you may not be able to control the lock remotely. Also, you may not be able to access other smart home features and your smart lock will only function as a regular lock.
Needs Updates
Even if you have the best smart lock lock installed, the requirement for regular updates is considered a drawback of smart home locks due to the potential vulnerabilities that can arise over time. As technology advances, security researchers continually identify new threats and weaknesses in digital systems, including smart locks. Without timely updates to the lock’s firmware, these vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, leaving the device susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors.
Enhanced Security Right at Your Fingertips
Are smart locks worth your money? Absoultely yes. The advantages of a basic smart lock completely outweighs your conventional lock mechanism. The keyless entry feature, allowing users to unlock doors through smartphone apps, PIN codes, or even biometrics, brings a new level of accessibility and flexibility. The ability to grant temporary access, monitor entry and exit logs, and integrate smart locks into broader smart home systems enhances overall control and security make smart locks an appealing choice for those seeking convenience and advanced security features
While there are considerations such as initial costs, dependency on power, and the need for updates, the convenience, customization, and advanced security features make smart locks a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and integrated approach to home access control. As technology continues to evolve, smart locks stand as a testament to the potential of smart home innovations in transforming traditional aspects of our daily lives for the better.