Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of eliminating house keys and moving to a modern smart locking system, but you’re worried about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the old-school locks they’re replacing? The quick reply is yes. But before installing one with your Erie smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Erie home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older 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 more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them periodically and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone single-time access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical problems: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can cause issues. Generally speaking, essential local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is down, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed systems can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other components within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to turn the lights on any time the door is opened, or create a whole-home scene with several automations. To illustrate, you might arm your system, turn lights off, secure your door, and even change your thermostat all at once when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are totally accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Erie home security

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other devices simultaneously? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (814) 992-4902 to explore our systems and let us help you design your own Erie smart home.