The market for security locks keeps gradually evolving over the years as new threats arise. However, not everyone keeps up with the fresh trends, just like not everyone knows how to keep their business safe online. Changing locks or fitting in advanced protection equipment around the house is not something people have on their minds until a dreadful break-in occurs.
If you are a tech-savvy homeowner, you may know a thing or two about smart locks that use fingerprint sensors, and you might actually be interested in buying one. Or maybe you are curious to know what is the best approach when in the market for new locks, given the large number of new lock models that have emerged recently.
Without further ado, here are some basic steps to take to buy the most suitable locks for your needs.
Tip #1: Learn Some Locksmith Lingo
You do not have to work for a prestigious locksmith service like the All in One Locksmith company in Sydney to know some lock lingo. However, it may take some time to get fully acquainted with terms like conventional and smart deadbolts, single- and double-cylinder locks, pin configurations, or Grades 1 rankings. If you do not have the time to do any kind of research on your own and familiarize yourself with the different types and models of available locks, you can always hire a locksmith service. They can easily assess your exact security needs and recommend the most suitable locks according to your budget and expectations.
Tip #2: Set Up a Budget for Your New Locks
If you plan on replacing all interior and exterior locks around the house, you will need to prepare a more generous budget. High-security locks are usually costlier and the same goes for smart locks. However, they can provide you with more peace of mind and usually better protection. Plus, in the unfortunate case of a home break-in, the deductible on the homeowner’s insurance is likely to be higher than the actual cost of the locks. Plus, most insurance policies are known to offer discounts for properties with fitted deadbolts on them.
Tip #3: Consider Standard and Electronic Locks
These lock models may not provide any complex features, but they will do a good job at protecting your doors. You can find them in the form of high-end, drillproof models, cheap deadbolts, and electronic locks featuring keypads with programmable PIN codes. Most of these locks are single-cylinder models. Deadbolt locks can significantly increase security and they are more advantageous compared to knob locks. Some of these models can be easily rekeyed without having to hire a professional locksmith. Electronic locks let you lock and unlock your door without a key.
Tip #4: Don’t Ignore Smart Lock Models
While less affordable compared to convenient locks, smart locks can deliver a lot of extra convenience, especially since they eliminate the need to keep keys on you. Plus, you can bid farewell to the stress of trying to remember whether you forget to lock the front door before leaving the house thanks to their automatic lock features.
Smart locks rely on smartphone apps that allow you to lock and unlock your doors from a distance with the help of a WiFi bridge. This, however, may incur some additional costs, since the majority of smart locks do not feature built-in WiFi. The best smart locks also offer a plethora of other options including access logs, voice control, and geofencing. The more features you want, the more you need to pay.
On the other hand, electronic locks are good alternatives here since they enable keypad access and the option of programming and distributing PIN codes to a number of guests. However, they cannot be controlled with the help of smartphones like smart locks. Choosing one or the other ultimately depends on your exact expectations and needs.
Tip #5: Give Retrofit Smart Locks a Chance
Retrofit lock models come with the same exact features as standard smart locks. However, instead of having to replace the old deadbolt, these locks only replace the interior part of the deadbolt. This means you can still hold on to your deadbolt and keys while benefitting from the smart features brought in by the smart mechanisms inside the new lock.
People looking to preserve their home’s curb appeal by keeping the matching handleset on the front door can opt for this alternative.
Final Considerations
If you are not sure what type of lock would be best for your new security needs, get in touch with a locksmith and let them offer their expert advice. If you already have an idea of what you want, take some time to familiarize yourself with the different types of locks and their mechanism and features on the market so you can choose the best alternative.
