Are keypad door locks safe?

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

Why smart locks are the right option for your Chattanooga home

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older door locks are simpler to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The options that provide a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re generally safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them often and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can cause issues. As a general rule, essential local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is not available, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still function during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during a blackout as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, according to what your system uses.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Chattanooga home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with many automations. To illustrate, you can turn lights off, fasten your door, arm your system, and even adjust your thermostat at the same time when you go to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Chattanooga home security

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other components simultaneously? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (423) 561-9767 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Chattanooga smart home.