The future belongs to smart locks. They unlock using passcodes, voice commands, or your smartphone’s GPS. That guarantees that you will never again be locked out of your home.
One of the disadvantages of smart locks is the installation process involved in mounting them to your door. Nevertheless, if you prefer to do things yourself and don’t want to pay a professional, keep reading.
Mounting a Smart Lock on a Door
There are a few things you should know before installing your smart lock.
DIY vs. Professional
First, determine if you want to install your lock yourself or hire a professional. It’s worth noting that hiring a professional will cost you anything from $307 to $617 on average.
You might reconsider installation if you factor in the $150 average cost of the smart lock itself.
What You’ll Need: Specifications
Before purchasing a lock, learn about the requirements, which may involve tools, a certain type of lock or door, or a home security system for your digital door lock installation. For instance, you might require an indoor outlet, a single-cylinder deadbolt, or a cylinder door lock.
You will require either the Nest Guard or Nest Connect from Nest Secure if you decide to purchase the Nest Yale Lock.
Installation Guidelines
Depending on the model and manufacturer, the installation instructions for a smart lock may look something like this:
- Set up your current deadbolt.
- Remove your current thumb latch.
- Get your mounting plate ready.
- Attach your mounting plate.
- Put your adaptor in place.
- Release the wing latches.
- Add the new lock.
- Get rid of the faceplate.
- Take the battery tab off.
- Replace the faceplate
After installing the lock and attaching the batteries, verify the locking mechanism to make sure it functions properly. Even better, incorporate a doorbell camera to monitor activities at home.
App Setup
It’s time to make the physical lock smart by configuring the app after you have installed the lock physically. Here is how to link the smart lock to its app:
- Download the app from Google Play or App Store.
- Create a profile.
- Add the lock.
- Give the lock a name based on where it is, such as the front door, the back door, etc.
- Set up a Wi-Fi connection for the lock.
- Integrate smart home devices.
How to Choose a Smart Lock?
It’s time to hunt for the best smart locks, but what should you consider?
Design:
Smart locks are available in several forms, ranging from conventional to modern. Make sure they complement the decor of your property because they are frequently seen from the curb.
Color:
Aside from black and gray, smart locks also come in many other colors. Getting a smart lock that pops will once again improve your curb appeal.
Key vs touchpad:
Key slots make your smart lock bumpable and pickable, but they also provide decent protection against being locked out if your Wi-Fi goes down or your battery runs out.
Power:
Smart locks come in wired and wireless types. Hardwired smart locks are more difficult to install, but you won’t have to worry about battery life; only power interruptions.
While wireless smart locks normally last six months to a year, they will notify you via your smartphone when their battery is becoming low.
Durability:
The IP rating and temperature range should be taken into account if your smart lock is installed on the exterior of your deadbolt.
The smart lock’s vulnerability to solids and liquids is determined by its IP rating. Choose one that has an IP rating of at least 65 so that you know it can withstand low-pressure water jets and is dust-tight
On the other hand, the temperature range is easier to understand. Most smart locks operate in a wide range of weather, from minus zero to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tamper alarm:
If someone tries to tamper with your smart lock, it should notify you.
Connectivity:
The majority of smart locks use Wi-Fi to link to your smartphone app, but some also use Bluetooth, ZigBee, or Z-Wave.
Compatibility:
Make sure the smart lock is compatible with your current lock system and doesn’t call for any additional tools that you don’t currently have.
Smart Lock Features
Remote control:
Your smart lock should, of course, be controllable via the internet from any location, therefore its app must function well.
Schedules:
Why not have your door already unlocked for you if you arrive home at the same time every day? This is a useful feature for kids who spend some time alone after school.
Smart platform integrations:
If you already have a smart home setup, search for a smart lock that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Your IoT gadgets should be able to be activated by your smart lock, enabling effective home automation.
Geofencing:
By using geofencing, the smart lock adapts to your smartphone’s GPS. Your smart lock will unlock as soon as you are close to your house, and vice versa. Geofencing, however, might cause certain security concerns, such as if you pass your house but don’t go inside.
Apartment dwellers should avoid it because their door can open as soon as they enter the lobby below. Consider whether the potential security risks outweigh the ease of geofencing.
Guests’ temporary passcode: You can provide temporary passcodes to visitors so they can enter your home when you’re not there; this is perfect for housekeepers, delivery people, and home service technicians.
All in All
Even while smart locks aren’t the easiest smart home device to use, they are so useful that we believe they are well worth the cost. 4
Additionally, once you install one, installing the others will be simple. Once you have installed a smart lock, more IoT devices, such as smart home security systems, can help you secure your house.
