Research by Technavio suggests that the smart doorbell market is expected to grow by over $1 billion across the next four years. This growth has been put down to the impact of Covid-19, with homeowners increasingly interested in products that allow them to reduce or eliminate physical contact with visitors.
However smart doorbells are only one element of smart home security, and the benefits go beyond allowing you to maintain physical distancing.
The team at Locksmith Nottingham have looked at the advantages of smart home security, and how to judge what’s best for your home.
What is smart home security?
Put simply, smart home security systems use digitally connected devices to create integrated systems that can generally be controlled remotely on devices such as laptops, PCs and smartphones. Devices can be linked via a smart home hub.
At their most high-tech they provide homes or businesses with a complete security system that is easily controlled by the user. They also allow for users to design a system that is tailored to their requirements, using just the elements they want.
Devices that can be connected to a smart home security system include sensors, cameras and locks. It may also be possible to link other smart home devices such as lights and smoke detectors.
However, it’s not necessary to get a complete system in order to reap the benefits of smart devices. Many of the people who have installed, or are thinking of installing smart doorbells have done so, as suggested above, so that they can avoid answering the door in person. Smart doorbells allow you to see who is at the door; handy when a contactless delivery is being left on your doorstep, as well as letting you talk to them via the doorbell’s microphone. Smart doorbells are frequently the first smart device that homeowners choose, with many deciding not to install any more.
Could you be missing out though? Could smart locks be the next step you take on your journey to a connected home or business, and where should you start?
What are smart locks?
Smart locks allow you to get rid of keys completely, and use fobs, keypads or apps to lock and unlock your doors. Like smart doorbells, many smart locks also have cameras which let you take a picture of anyone entering your property. This can be particularly useful for businesses.
The exact features of a smart lock will depend on how much you want to spend, with some locking automatically once you get a certain distance from your door, similar to the way in which keyless locking works on some cars.
What are the benefits of smart locks?
- Work with your current locks
Some smart locks can be fitted over the cylinder of your existing lock, making them quick to install. If this is the type of smart lock you are thinking about, it’s best to speak to a locksmith who can ensure that the smart lock you chose is compatible
- No more lost or broken keys
No keys obviously means you have no keys to lose or to get snapped in the lock. Not having keys that can be lost, or indeed stolen, adds another layer of security. Even those systems that use cards or fobs allow these to be cancelled quickly, meaning no-one can use them to gain entry.
- Check that you’ve locked up
We all know that feeling when we’ve left the house and can’t remember if we locked the door. With smart locks you can check remotely, then lock them if you’ve forgotten.
- Monitor when your doors have been locked or unlocked
This is a useful feature if you are away from your property, as it can alert you to anyone entering it without your permission. Where individual users have their own ‘ID’, for example via an app, a card or fob, you will be able to tell who has been in and out. Helpful for businesses.
- ‘Cancel’ access
With traditional locks, if you want to prevent someone from having access to your home or business, you have to be absolutely certain that they have returned their keys, or alternatively change the locks. With a smart system it is straightforward to either change the entry details required, or bar individuals from entering. As well as company premises, anyone who owns a rental property, or even lives in a shared house may find this valuable.
- Grant temporary access
If you want someone to check your home while you’re away, you generally have to give them a set of keys. With smart locks you can give them temporary access for the period you are away, so no keys to get back. This is also brilliant if you’re renting out a property for a short period — for example through Airbnb.
And of course, you can link your smart locks to the rest of a home security system.
Fitting your smart locks
We’d always recommend that you ask a professional locksmith to fit your new smart locks. Not only can you be confident that your locks are fitted correctly and will work, most reputable locksmiths will guarantee their work for your complete peace of mind.
