Home 101: Importance of Smart Locks

In an ideal world, our belongings would be safe without constant vigilance. Unfortunately, the reality is that we must take precautions to protect our property. While a thief may not intend physical harm, it's essential to be prepared. A secure home is not one with an open door; locks have been a necessity since ancient times. Archaeological evidence from Egypt, Greece, and Babylon suggests that locks were invented as early as 4,000 B.C.

Early locks were often made of wood, a material that was easily compromised. Metal components were introduced later, during the Romanian era. These locks were valued symbols of wealth and status, worn as necklaces and bracelets to protect valuable possessions. However, the development of locks has always been a race against thieves. As locksmiths strive to create unpickable locks, thieves find new ways to bypass them. Joseph Bramah's lock, which went unpicked for 67 years, stands as a testament to this ongoing challenge.

Today, the lock industry remains crucial, driven by advancements in digital technology. Biometric scanners, fingerprint readers, and digital security codes are just a few examples of how technology has enhanced lock security. However, the threat of cybercrime and hacking means that even the most modern locks require careful consideration. Understanding the importance of smart locks is essential in today's digital age.

Convenience

We mentioned biometric scanning, fingerprint recognition, passwords, and access cards were all modern popular choices with smart homes. It was normal for smartphones to be linked to these security methods, after all, there’s nothing better or more convenient than receiving a notification or opening a door in a second by tapping on your phone. Security applications allowed the evolution of managing security through a smartphone into a full home AI system like Alexa or Google Home.  You can set your security system to initiate a full lockdown once an intruder tries to gain access while you have a no-visitors toggle on. You can expect full WIFI and Bluetooth functionality for a very quick response. Your "did-I-lock-the-door?" OCD can rest in peace knowing that you can easily lock it and unlock it from virtually anywhere in the world. The days of looking for your keys all over the house are finally gone. Your smart lock can be synchronized to be voice-activated, or even be synced with other smart devices in your home like the thermostat. You can remotely secure both your house and the temperature inside it with the touch of a button.

Style and Retrofit

It’s become very easy to create a smart lock that looks like a lock from the 19th century; this is usually done for people with antique houses that have a certain edge or style that homeowners would prefer not to lose. Some smart lock models may look like your run-of-the-mill locks yet are full of functionality and numerous features. The market is full of aesthetically pleasing and feature-packed smart locks, and according to Wired Smart, this is because ‘The popularity of smart locks has grown over recent years as people prefer not to carry keys around and do everything from their smartphone. Having a smart lock makes getting into your house much more convenient and efficient. No more fumbling for your keys, losing them in your bag, or having to jiggle an old lock to open your front door.’ It’s important to look at reviews online from credible sources so that you know what suits your requirements. 

There are, for example, some retrofit models that latch to the inside of your door and can use modern locking mechanisms in addition to traditional mechanical ones. This can save you a lot of installation time while also allowing you to use your old pair of keys or give them to a friend or neighbor as a backup. It was important for this niche to exist since a lot of people feel reluctant to be 100% reliant on technology in such sensitive matters. You can expect to save some money on installation when you choose to install a smart lock that attaches itself to the deadbolt in your door instead of acting like a standalone deadbolt to lock and unlock. 

Restricting and Allowing Access

If you regularly rent your house, especially short-term duration, you’re going to have to physically meet the renter and provide them with a spare key. If you use a smart lock, you can provide whomever you want with digital access codes that can even expire after a specified duration. You don’t have to hide your spare keys in a pot in case of an emergency or if you want someone to water your plants, using a simple app to provide access to those whom you choose can be done in a few minutes. You can also control the window in which a visitor is allowed to enter your home; you can let your neighbor have access every Saturday for a couple of hours to feed your pet or water the plants. This can also be important for in-home deliveries by couriers; some advanced online shops are compatible with certain brands of smart locks. The couriers can receive a one-time use security code which allows them to deliver a package right inside your home. Smart cameras and access hotspots allow you to keep track of everyone entering your home with real-time updates and notifications, so you needn’t worry about rogue couriers.

Final Thoughts

Even though smart locks offer a lot of features that may make installing them seem like a no-brainer decision, that doesn’t mean that they’re right for everybody. Some businesses would prefer to use a security company to ensure that no one thinks about cracking a code or picking a lock in the first place at all, while some prefer to use them for their convenience. You can expect smart locks to be more expensive than their traditional counterparts, but can you put a price on your security and privacy?