August smart lock battery replacement11/28/2023 I just mentioned why I love an auto-unlock feature. Instead, all you need to do is turn the handle and go in. No need to juggle an armload of groceries or a sleeping child to fumble with the lock or your smartphone. However, if you have your smart lock set to unlock once your smartphone arrives at the front door, that can be incredibly convenient. This is difficult to do well because of the security implications. Here are my two cents on auto-unlock: if I can’t get my smart lock to auto-unlock when I get home, then I don’t see the point of having a smart lock. In that case, it would be incredibly helpful if your lock and doorbell work together. Even if you don’t own a smart doorbell today, you may want to get one in the future. This is particularly relevant when it comes to your smart doorbell. And it may mean you should consider a different selection. ![]() If your existing devices use different technology, you must decide if you want to streamline them either now or down the road. You’re going to want to make sure any smart home product you buy will be compatible with any home automations you already use.įor example, if you buy a Z-Wave lock ( like these), you’ll need a Z-Wave hub to control it. Does it work with any smart doorbells?Ĭompatibility should be a part of your decision. If this is for a rental property you don’t frequently visit, then a longer battery life may be more important compared to your home, where you can more frequently change out batteries with ease.Ģ. Regardless of your wireless connection, you’ll definitely want to take a look at battery life and consider what is feasible for you. And advances in battery technology, combined with the way that routers are improving WiFi standby features, mean that some locks can perform well using a WiFi connection. However, as with any rule, there are some exceptions, and the same is true for smart locks. In general, it’s worth knowing that WiFi typically uses too much power to be viable for a battery-powered device. Bluetooth uses relatively little power but also features a lower bandwidth. Why does the type of wireless connection affect battery life? Z-Wave and Zigbee can both operate using very low power, whereas WiFi requires far more. ( You can learn more about both technologies here.) However, if Z-Wave or Zigbee are new to you, the easiest explanation is that they are wireless protocols-or languages- for your smart devices that are ideal for home automations. You are almost certainly familiar with WiFi and Bluetooth. The four most common connection integrations are Z-Wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and WiFi. There are plenty of variables that affect battery life, not the least of which is how the lock wirelessly connects. After all, very few homes run electrical wiring right to their doors, which means that smart locks rely on batteries for power. In fact, it’s one of the biggest factors for most people who want to purchase a smart lock. ![]() So, look through these factors to see which are the most important to you before making a purchase.įirst things first, battery life is a key consideration (it’s also rule #11 in my list of essential smart home tips). With that in mind, I’m listing some of the features you want to consider when deciding which smart lock will fit your home and lifestyle the best. ![]() The top smart locks all have a few things in common.
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