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Your home is the one place where you should be completely safe. It should be your haven, a fortress even. But is it? Sadly, no. Your home is vulnerable to breaking and entering and theft crimes. And there is nothing your measly pin tumbler lock can do about it. Unless, you replace it with a better, smarter, safer, electronic lock! Read on to find out everything you need to know about updating to electronic door locks to increase the security of your home.
What are they?
Electronic locks or ‘smart locks’ are battery-powered locks which can be opened with a passcode or using biometric features like a fingerprint. Some of these electronic locks can also be opened remotely via a smartphone or an app, effectively making keys obsolete. They can be installed by your trusted Calgary home security service along with an alarm response technology for the maximum security for your home.
Types of Electronic locks for door
1) Biometric Lock
These locks recognize your fingerprint and can be opened with just a swipe of your finger. You can add multiple fingerprints for different members of the house.
2) Key Fob (Proximity lock)
Carry a fob in your pocket and your door will unlock as soon as you are within a specified range of it. No more fumbling in the dark for your keys!
3) Smart phone-controlled
Some locks sync with your smartphone via Bluetooth enabling you to unlock it remotely and check who comes and goes to your home. Some locks will even text you if someone tries to open your door.
4) Surveillance lock
These locks combine the added security of surveillance cameras to your electronic unlock mechanism, making it foolproof.
Most of these smart locks have a secondary unlock mechanism in case your phone battery runs out or you lose your key fob. All battery-powered locks have a battery life of around 2-3 years.
The Pros and Cons
The obvious advantage of going the electronic way is the convenience of remotely unlocking your door and locking it back. For instance, you are on a vacation and the neighbors smell a gas leak, you can unlock your door using your smartphone and lock it again once the neighbors have taken care of the situation, all the while sitting on a beach on a remote island! And with these advanced locks you never have to worry about losing your keys or getting locked out of your own house again.
While these locks provide a good measure of security, like most forms of technology, they can be beaten in some exceptional case. Passcodes can be forgotten and electricity failures can cause these locks to remain locked or unlocked until the power hasbeen restored. The quality and strength of your door are major factors as the door is your first line of defense, no matter which lock you have on. Open windows and back doors to the house are also threats to your safety. Consider getting a home security system based on your needs.
Overall, electronic locks are the key to better security for your home and can keep your family and your valuables safe and sound. To know more about these technological marvels, get in touch with Calgary home security services.