Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their time-honored counterparts? The quick answer is yes. But before installing one with your Bowling Green smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Bowling Green home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key altogether. The models that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also smart to update them periodically and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time-only access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords regularly. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can create issues. However, vital local features like keypad entry still work if your WiFi is not available, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, according to what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or create a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you might dim lighting, lock your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home equipment is completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Bowling Green smart home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other devices at the same time? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (270) 514-2292 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Bowling Green smart home.