Digital door locks are a modern way to secure your home. With advanced remote control and keyless entry they make life easier but like any digital device they also have few drawbacks. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide if they are right for you.
The Advantages
Pick proof
One big benefit of digital door locks is that they can’t be picked like regular locks. Most digital locks come without a keyhole and thieves find it very difficult to break in when there is no keyhole for them to mess with..
No more keys
Digital door locks let you get rid of keys and all worries about losing or forgetting them. Landlords and property owners can also save time and money since they don’t need to hand them over to new tenants and also no need for lock rekey anymore.
Access control
Digital door locks let you control who can enter different areas of your property. This is really useful for offices and apartments complex where only certain people should be allowed into specific areas. It’s quite easy to change the PIN code and you can quickly give or take away access as needed.
Appearance
Digital door locks are available in many different styles and colors which can improve the total look of your door. You can pick any different finish from brass, chrome or satin chrome to match the style of your door.
Accessibility
Digital door locks can really help people with physical disabilities and mobility problems. They make it easier to get in and out without unnecessary fuss with regular keys.
The Disadvantages
Power failure
Some digital door locks run on electricity and if the power goes out you might not be able to use them, other use batteries which can also run out and stop you from getting into your home.
To avoid getting locked out use a backup key if your smart lock has this option, always keep spare batteries and replace them regularly to make sure they won’t fail you.
Security and network risks
Since digital locks often connect to the internet they are vulnerable to quite few network issues. Cyber hacking attacks can break security and network problems might mess up how the lock works, which could give access to unauthorized people and danger you.
To stay safe use strong passwords, keep the lock software updated and consider adding a backup entry method like a physical key in case the digital lock fails.
Mechanical issues
Digital locks can experience mechanical problems over time. Internal electronic parts can fail as a result of weather damage or wear out even from ordinary usage. Also keypads or fingerprint scanners can become less responsive over time and can lead to lock problems and lockouts.
It is highly recommended to have an experienced locksmith inspection at least once a year to make sure your locks operate properly.
