How Smart Locks Work (and Whether They're Worth It)

Image by Bryan Santos from Pixabay

Smart locks aren't exactly all the rage in California yet, but there's no doubt that they follow the trends of the day. After all, when everything is on your phone already, why not put your house key on it too? This new technology is convenient, and it can put you one step closer to achieving the Internet of Things in your home. But is it worth it? 

How It Works 

We won't get into all the technical nuts and bolts, but the gist is pretty simple. Buy a smart lock, install it, and then use your smartphone to control it. Typically, all you have to do is download the app, open it on your phone, and then touch the lock to trigger the door to open. If you have a house guest or a pet sitter, you can create a new virtual key for them. You control who has access and who doesn't at all times. Keys can be granted or denied based on your preferences. 

The Internet of Things (IoT)

Smart locks put your home one step closer on its way to total connectivity. The IoT has not exactly overtaken homes, but we're likely to see its popularity grow in the next few years. The dream behind the IoT is that all the technology in the home will be streamlined. So when your alarm clock first chirps in the morning, it triggers your coffee pot. When your garage door opens, it triggers your front door to unlock so you don't have to struggle with unlocking the door with an armful of groceries. 

Is It Worth It?

Smart locks can undoubtedly be more convenient in that you don't have to worry about where you put your house keys. It may even up your resale value because it's a practical feature for the home. It may even give people a sense of safety because it virtually eliminates the need for duplicate keys.

However, some smart locks have been known to be unreliable or even rough on your door. If your phone isn't charged or the lock jams for any reason, you may not be able to get into your house at all unless you have a backup key on you. And while unlikely, there's always the possibility that the software can be hacked by a criminal mastermind.

Smart technology is still catching up to homeowner needs today. If you're planning on investing in it, we encourage you to do the research before settling on a product. As time goes by, smart locks are becoming more reliable and (theoretically) more secure. It's just a matter of weighing the pros and cons to see if it's for you.