There were a total of 2,109.9 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2019, compared with 379.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people.
A smart lock can change the level of access to your home, making it harder for thieves to get in.
They’re a well-established security component, with major commercial support, but are smart locks worth it?
Smart locks require setup, monitoring, and internet connections. While smart locks require an investment of time and money, they are worth it for the low-maintenance reliable security, and monitoring capabilities they provide for your home once they are installed.
Smart locks are a great way to protect your property while adding a stylish, modern look.
The process to add smart locks isn’t complicated, but if you’re looking for more in-depth information, this guide will get you started.
Things You Need To Know About Smart Locks
1. Smart Locks Require Setup
Most locks on the market will promise that they don’t require setup, but that isn’t the case. You are going to have to do some configuring.
When you select a system, such as the Yale Assure Lock (available on Amazon.com), where you can unlock your door using your smartphone, it’s essential to check out the instructions carefully.
All systems will have a manual available; don’t skip reading the manual!
Pay close attention to the instructions so that you can’t only set up the system but you can take it down at a later time.
You may want to move the system to another property or move it from the front to the back door. It’s entirely up to you.
Once you have the system up and running, there are some cool things you can do.
For example, if you get many deliveries, you might be worried about people stealing packages right off your porch.
With an intelligent locking system, you can have people open your front door and leave packages directly inside.
The packages can go in a box set up for this purpose, or you can just set them out of sight.
Some systems integrate with Amazon Key to provide this service.
2. Smart Locks Require Monitoring
Sure, a smart lock is supposed to help you monitor who is accessing your property. But an intelligent locking system is only as good as your ability to watch it.
For example, if all notifications are going to the app on your smartphone, are you checking it as part of a security routine? Or do you ignore it and move on?
If you’re someone that doesn’t pay much attention to notifications, a smart lock isn’t going to help you.
A lock that pairs with a camera can help you identify who needs to have access to your home, even if you’re not on the premises.
It’s a great feature that keeps you from having to give extra traditional keys out.
The problem with traditional keys is that people can forget to give them back. This isn’t always evil; people just forget to turn things in.
Whether it’s for good or for evil, you don’t want a bunch of extra keys floating around.
If the key is lost or stolen by someone, they can duplicate it as many times as they wish.
Editor’s pick: Kwikset Smart Key Instructions (Problems & Fixes)
3. Smart Locks Require Internet Connections
If you don’t have a steady Internet connection at the property, smart locks will be a difficult option to implement.
Don’t get caught up in high speed this or that.
The point is to have a stable wireless connection that lets you check the smart lock while you’re off-site.
The underlying premise of these smart systems is that you’ll be able to protect your home while you’re away.
Sure, you can check things out while still in your home, but that isn’t the primary goal.
You want to have peace of mind when you’re away from home. If you don’t have strong wireless Internet from the lock system to your router, you’ll have to improve the signal.
There are plenty of different options to accomplish this task, from a Wi-Fi mesh network to a simple Wi-Fi extender.
Whenever you install a new intelligent home helper, it’s a good time to update the password on your home connection.
4. Smart Locks Are an Investment
Some of the smart locking systems on the market are sold at a premium. If you’re looking for a super cheap option, that might be shocking at first.
But when you think about it, the right system doesn’t have to be super cheap. It has to be able to protect your finest investments: your home, your valuables, and your family.
It’s that simple. If you want to have that extra peace of mind, look at intelligent high-tech locks as an investment.
What’s a small investment compared to losing valuable property or having someone invade your home when you aren’t there? Are you willing to let your family be exposed to dangers?
Since most would answer no, it’s better to research what innovative locking system would work best.
Learn more: Why are smart locks so expensive?
Multiple Access Options Are Best
If you have a large family with children, then you know all too well that they’re prone to losing keys. Would an intelligent locking system still be a good idea?
Yes!
You can let them have access either with a fingerprint or a code that they can just remember. Try not to make it super simple, like a birthday or an anniversary.
A school lunch code could work, or another series of numbers that they’ll remember.
Traditional keys are expensive to replace. Compare that to purchasing an intelligent lock where you can just update the code with a smartphone app.
Smartphone apps can control the most intelligent tech for the home, and these locks are no exception.
Whether you have an iPhone or an Android, you’ll be able to get a smart lock that can be maintained via your phone.
Some systems even come with a key fob that can be swiped over the lock to give you access.
The more ways that a locking system can give you access to your home, the better. Stay away from options that only give you one or two choices.
There are just too many implementations on the market to settle for the old style of app or code.
Take the time to think about what setup would work best in your own home. That’ll give you the best starting point for getting a complete system that you’ll use.
5. Smart Locks Are Low Maintenance
Are smart locks zero maintenance? Not at all. However, they’re considered low maintenance because you don’t have to do much.
If you have someone visiting your property, you just have to change out the guest code.
If you’re using the smart system at your own home, you’ll want to double-check that no one else has active access.
Sometimes if you let someone in with a code, it can be hard to remember to change things after they’re gone.
You may occasionally have to update the smartphone app as security fixes, and other changes come from the development team, but these updates can be handled automatically without your input.
Are Smart Locks Reliable?
Smart locks are reliable because they’re battery-powered instead of requiring a wired setup. So thieves can’t simply cut the power and get into the house. In addition, smart locks are easy to integrate into home security systems, triggering alarms and notifications in the event of an attack.
You’re never left wondering if someone is trying to break in because the smart lock will let you know it’s been compromised.
In short, this makes smart locks a very reliable component of your overall security system.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of security to a rental house or even your primary home, smart locks are an effective way to do this.
Don’t settle for low-end smart locks that don’t give you the ability to monitor all access.
Be aware that some setups will require multiple pieces of equipment to give you full functionality.
The more that you see smart locks as an investment for your home and rental properties, the more purchasing a system for yourself will make sense.