Home automation is no longer the stuff of science fiction; It's everywhere.More and more homes have virtual assistantssuch as Alexa or Siri that allow you to turn lights on or off or program washing machines with a simple voice command.
But be careful, because this type of technology does not work exclusively with assistants, but rather allows devices to be linked to a mobile phone or tablet andcontrol them remotely.
This way, if you leave work on a cold and rainy day, you can leave the heating on from yoursmartphoneand find it at the perfect temperature when you arrive to warm up.
What is a smart lock
Home automation is not limited to household appliances. Another device that you can install at home is smart locks . We are facing the evolution of classic locks; models that changethe conventional mechanism with an electronic typewithout key.
As home automation devices, smart locks also connect with the rest of the home devices. Its use is mainly intended forincrease home security, preventing any intruder from entering by force.
However, it also has other functionalities. It can, for example, be linked to an alarm that you have installed at home. So, if someone tries to force the door, the smart lock would detect it by sending a signal and triggering the alert.
It can also be linked to the thermostat. This way, if it detects your leaving the house, it can turn it off instantly and turn it back on when you come back in, thus avoiding any mistake. leave it on when you leave .
What if you have left the keys inside the house? Or when returning from somewhere, have you noticed when looking for them that you had lost them somewhere? In these casesSmart locks solve the problem.
How smart locks work
Connectivity is done throughBluetooth connection, Wi-Fi or Z-Wave technology; a wireless communication designed specifically for home automation. You can link the smart lock to the smartphone, remote control and the rest of the home automation elements.
When you approach the door on which the lock is placed, it will automatically unlock allowing you entry. However, this is not the only way to open:
WiFi or Bluetooth locks
They are perhaps the most popular, since they normally work through asmartphone. When installing one of these smart locks, you will need download an app through which the opening and closing is controlled. It's as simple as registering and starting to use it.
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You will only have to access the application and open the door yourself. Regarding connectivity, the advantage of Bluetooth is that the battery is usually longer lasting than that of WiFi. However, has a particularly short range (about 50 meters) .
Less common are smart locks compatible with the connection Z-Wave . As we have mentioned, it is a specific system capable of connecting the lock with other home devices. For this, you would need a concentrator that translates the signal received by your router.
invisible locks
They also work via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with the difference that, as their name suggests, they are not visible. This means that its appearance is not that of a smart lock but that of a traditional one, although Inside it has a totally electronic system .
Biometric locks
These types of locks are not opened by control from a smartphone or remote control; require recognition of the fingerprint . They can be programmed to recognize those of several people.
Keyed locks
You've probably seen them in the bathroom entrances of some restaurants, where they are especially popular. However, they can be installed in a private home. In this case, you choose the key you want and you insert it to open .
Is it worth installing a smart lock?
As with any security device, whether or not it is advisable to install a smart lock depends solely on the user. In our opinion, in terms of security it is always preferable for peace of mind.
These locks make it difficult for an intruder to gain access;They are not as easy to pick as a conventional lockbecause they do not have a slot to insert a key. In this sense alone, its installation is worth it without a doubt.
On the other hand, they provide a series of additional advantages. The fact that a key is not neededeliminates the worry of losing or forgetting them at home, as well as the need to make different copies in case you have to provide access to someone.
If, for example, you hire someone to do housework, you only have to provide them with the entry code. If that person stops working with you, simply change the password to another one.
