If you’re thinking about swapping your keys for digital door locks, there’s a little more to consider than simply choosing the one that looks good.
The right lock needs to work with your door, suit the people using it, and make sense for the way you want to manage access. You’ll also want to know what happens if the batteries run flat or someone needs access who isn’t usually there.
Before you buy a lock or book an installation, here are a few things worth thinking about when choosing the right digital locks for doors.
1. Start With Your Door
Before you get swept up in the features you want, look at the door itself. What type of door do you have? How thick is it? What sort of lock is already there? Does the door close and latch properly?
These things can all affect which digital door locks will work. If your door sticks, has dropped slightly, or needs a good shove before it closes, it’s worth sorting that out first. A new lock isn’t going to fix an underlying problem with the door.
Some digital door locks can also require changes to the existing hardware, so it’s worth checking what’s involved before you buy.
2. Think About Who Will Be Using It
A digital door lock for your family home can be quite different from one used by a rental property or business.
Start by thinking about who needs access now and who might need it later. Will everyone use the door every day, or will you occasionally need to give access to visitors, cleaners, tradespeople or guests?
You may also want different types of access for different people. For example, a family might use a shared PIN, while a business could benefit from individual codes or cards that can be removed when someone no longer needs access.
Thinking about this upfront makes it easier to choose a digital door lock installation that won’t become a headache later.
3. Choose How You Want To Unlock The Door
There are plenty of ways to use digital locks for doors, so think about what will actually be convenient for you.
Depending on the system, you might use a PIN, card or tag, fingerprint, smartphone or a combination of these.
There isn’t necessarily one option that’s better than the others. A PIN might be all you need for the front door at home, while a business with several people coming and going may need something that gives each person their own access.
The best choice is the one that fits naturally into everyday life.
4. Work Out How Much Control You Need
There’s a difference between simply wanting to get rid of your keys and wanting to manage who can get through the door.
If you’re replacing the lock on your home, you may just want easy keyless entry. But if you’re managing a rental, holiday home or workplace, you might want to add and remove access as people come and go.
Some digital door locks let you create temporary codes, give different people their own credentials, or keep track of who has entered. If you don’t need those features, there’s no point paying for a system that’s more complicated than necessary.
Think about what you’d actually use before you choose.
5. Don’t Forget About The Batteries
It’s easy to forget that digital door locks still need power.
Find out what type of batteries the lock uses, how you’ll know when they’re getting low and what happens if they run out completely.
It’s also worth checking what backup options are available. Depending on the system, you may have an external emergency power option, a mechanical key override or another way to get back inside.
6. Check The Digital Door Lock Installation Requirements
Once you’ve found a digital lock that looks like a good fit, there’s still the installation to think about.
A digital lock needs to be fitted and aligned properly so the door closes, latches and locks as it should. Existing hardware may also need to be adjusted or changed to suit the new system.
This is where expert digital door lock installation services can make things much easier. A locksmith can check your existing door, make sure the lock is suitable, and take care of any adjustments needed during the installation.
Get Advice Before You Buy
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to digital locks for doors, and the most expensive or feature-packed option isn’t necessarily the right one for you.
Western Lock Services can look at your existing door, talk through how you want to use the lock, and help you find a system that makes sense for your needs. We can also take care of the installation, whether you’re upgrading a front door at home or looking at digital door locks for an office fit-out.
If you’re considering digital door lock installation in Auckland, get in touch with the team at Western Lock Services to talk through your options.