Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The quick response is yes. But before installing one with your New Haven smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your New Haven home

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up in the wrong hands. In addition, older door locks are simpler to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The ones that have a backup keyed system frequently use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them periodically and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody single-time access, you can create a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords frequently. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can create issues. However, essential local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is not available, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is unlocked, or configure a whole-home scene with many automations. For instance, you might secure your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even change your thermostat at the same time when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home equipment is fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your New Haven smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components at the same time? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (203) 625-1716 to learn more about our systems and get help designing your own New Haven smart home.