My new smart lock is a home security game-changer — here’s why

My new smart lock is a home security game-changer — here'due south why

Why my new smart lock is a home security game-changer

(Image credit: Schlage)

A smart lock is the quintessential smart habitation device. Information technology makes your space more secure, simpler to control and attainable from anywhere all at in one case. That'southward why installing a smart lock in my own DIY smart domicile seemed like a no-brainer.

Except when I started planning my connected devices, my decision-making wasn't as simple. In addition to my home's front door, there are a pair of french doors on the main floor. My family and I use these doors daily to let our dog out, get to the deck and bring food back between our kitchen and grill. So is having smart locks on these two doors just as practical as having i on my front door?

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3 smart locks sounded excessive, not to mention expensive. The best smart locks don't come cheap: Both the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock and Kwikset Halo cost $249.

While the Schlage Encode (the smart lock I wanted) can exist found for less since it's a few years old, three would run me up at least $600.

For those following along, you lot'll know I saved thousands taking the DIY route, cutting prices with an inexpensive smart thermostat and skipping on smart appliances. Security doesn't seem similar something I should be cheap well-nigh, though. Besides, the deadbolts on the french doors are absolutely due for replacement — a strong gust of wind blew them open recently. Luckily I was dwelling house, but it could exist a major issue if it happens again when I'chiliad not.

I figured I tin't exist the just person who's wondered if they need smart locks on all their dwelling house's doors, not only their main entrance. Especially as the weather gets nicer and people might be spending more fourth dimension in their backyards.

Should yous buy a smart lock? These are the benefits

If I installed 3 Schlage Encodes, all iii of my doors would be connected to my home Wi-Fi without using a bridge, like some smart locks require. That means I could utilize my voice assistant (I cull Alexa over Google Assistant) to lock or unlock each door, plus integrate them into smart home routines.

An Encode tin can concord up to 100 entry codes, any of which tin can exist assigned permanently to specific guests or used every bit one-time passes inside. It can operate every bit a conventional lock for my family members with concrete keys, too. Nonetheless I already know when we get home from the beach this summer, we'll capeesh the ability to get inside without having to fish in sandy beach bags for our business firm keys.

And if an unwelcome guest tries to tamper with our lock, a loud alarm will sound. I live in a condominium where neighbors are close plenty to hear such commotion, so even if I'thou away or unreachable someone is likely to alert authorities.

Schlage'southward Wi-Fi-enabled devices are also compatible with my Vivid Smart Home Control, a touchscreen panel that features physical dimmers for my home's light fixtures and an interface for managing my boosted smart home products. Either inside on the screen or away on the Brilliant app, I can command my Schlage Encode'southward settings.

Ane smart lock is probably plenty

As intelligent and rubber-centric as these features might be, having an Encode smart lock on all three of my doors however feels asymmetric to my home'due south needs. That's why I decided to get two non-smart deadbolt replacements from Schlage for $100 each. Aesthetically, these match well with the Encode and provide a unimposing touchscreen for entry. They can't connect to Alexa or Vivid, and then I'll but need to exist mindful of locking up when I leave.

In well-nigh cases, one smart lock is all you'll need to make your home safer and more than automated. If yous accept a larger domicile, where your primary-level doors are frequented withal far apart, you might want to consider additional smart locks.

Be certain to check out my guides to the best smart home devices (and best cheap smart home devices ) for more gadget recommendations. Electronic mail me at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com or leave a comment beneath with anything yous'd like to see me comprehend in the continued space — I might merely accost information technology in a hereafter installment.

Kate Kozuch is a senior author at Tom's Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-dwelling house related. When she's not in cyborg manner, yous can find her on an exercise wheel or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot ground forces will rule the world one day, only until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.