The key to a great new year, smarten up your front door security

For many of us, the new year means a fresh start. And for many, that can be focusing on making necessary improvements to the home to start the new year in style.

And it’s not unusual at this time of year to have a thorough clear out and declutter, finding home improvement jobs that you didn’t have chance to sort out in the 12 months prior. It can also be the perfect time to look at your home security and consider if any upgrades are required or additional security is needed to protect what matters most to you.

When thinking about home security projects and upgrades, you might consider installing a CCTV system to watch over your home, a padlock for an outside gate or potentially new outdoor lighting. All of these are effective security measures for your home, but we would also recommend checking your front door security. Does it need upgrading, and would a smart lock be more suitable for your home?

For many, the front door is the main entrance to the home, and as it is often in constant use, the door, door furniture and locking system can start to experience wear and tear and become damaged and, therefore, less secure.

And so, to make sure your door is providing your home with the highest level of protection for the year ahead, our team of experts have provided some top tips on how you can ‘smarten up’ your front door security.

Smart locking system

The front door continues to be the main point of access for opportunistic burglars. They will often test a door handle to see if it has been left unlocked or if the locking system is old and can easily be broken. It’s possible to protect your home against both tactics by remembering to lock your door when at all times and upgrading the locking system when it’s starting to look worn.

We’ve all had that dreaded feeling of, “did I lock the door?” and so having a device which allows you to check if your door is locked, or alert you if it isn’t, can be extremely beneficial.

A smart door lock has the functionality to let you know when the door has been left unlocked and when it’s locked, giving you peace of mind, knowing your front door is secure.

So, what is a smart lock? A smart lock is a smart device which replaces your current locking system. Once paired with your phone, it’s possible to lock and unlock your door through your smartphone app, with a smart tag, a pin code or even by simply walking towards your door.

Smart locks come in all shapes, sizes and designs, so it’s possible to find a smart lock which will fit to your door and locking system. Most are designed to be installed by a competent DIYer, so there’s no need to worry about the installation process too.

A smart locking system is an extremely useful device to be added to your front security, giving you convenience and peace of mind.

And so, let’s look at some of the functionalities of smart door locks:

Compatibility

One of the benefits of smart locks are the compatibility functionalities, which make it possible to connect and interact with other smart devices in the home. Smart locks work efficiently as a standalone device, but when connected, they are also compatible with a range of smart devices to make sophisticated sequences.

For example, when connected to your lighting system, you can schedule for the lights to come on in the evening when you open your door or, when connected to your alarm system, you can even automatically disarm your alarm when the smart lock is unlocked.

There are many different actions which can be put in place using the smart lock, helping the system to run more efficiently and provide more convenience for the homeowner.

Kerb appeal

For many, making sure the entrance to their home is looking its best is very important. And so, when you update your front door, you want to make sure it loses none of its kerb appeal.

Smart door locks from Yale are available in a selection of different finishes, so you can find the right style and finish for your door. Match the finish of the smart lock with the colour of your door, or door furniture, and make sure your door stands out on the street.

Despite being contemporary in design and with a high level of technology, a smart lock can be suitable for modern or traditional style properties. Fitting to the lock in place, or simply replacing the whole locking system, smart locks can ensure you don’t miss out on a stylish entrance to your home.

Security

The concern for many homeowners is the security elements of a smart lock. How can they feel reassured the smart lock isn’t going to be hacked or broken into?

Smart locks provide a high level of security for the homeowner. Not only can you check in on your home, but for many of these devices, it’s difficult to pick, drill or bump the locks, often making them more secure than a traditional lock and key.

In recent years, more measures have been put in place regarding the protection of the IoT and the standard of the technology used in the devices.

To ensure peace of mind and have reassurance a smart lock is secure, there are now standards in certain countries, which the devices are required to meet. Throughout this process, the products are put through rigorous testing, but it is important to be aware that some smart locks are more secure than others, so we’d suggest doing some research before purchasing.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that the typical house burglar will not have the technical ability to hack into a smart lock system and break into a property. And so, if you’re looking to do some upgrades on your home and would like to make some changes to your home security, a smart lock is a great place to start.

To find out more about the range or mechanical and smart locks available from Yale, please visit your local site