While traditional locks have served us well for centuries, technology offers a new layer of security and convenience: smart home features for doors.
These features not only bolster protection but streamline access control, giving you peace of mind and complete oversight, no matter where you are.
Smart home security technology for entrance doors
Some products go beyond basic practicality and help make our daily lives run smoother. Whether you need to get a parcel delivered when you’re in the office (or need to let your pet sitter in) these smart home security features blend innovation and automation in a whole new way.
Smart Locks
Ditch the keys! Unlock your door with your smartphone using smart locks. They also offer additional features like tamper alerts, activity logs and remote locking, ensuring you always know your door’s status.
Biometric Locks
A more advanced type of smart lock. A biometric lock is a type of keyless lock that uses a unique physiological characteristic of the user, such as their fingerprint, face, iris or voice to identify and grant access.
Video Doorbells
See who’s at your door before you open it with a video doorbell. Two-way audio lets you answer the door remotely, deterring potential intruders and allowing you to interact with visitors even when you’re away. Some models even offer package detection and motion sensors.
Smart Doorbells & Deadbolts
Combining the strengths of both, these integrated systems offer a seamless approach. Unlock the door, see who’s there, and answer them – all through one user-friendly app.
Smart Door Sensors
Discreetly placed on your doors, these sensors detect even the slightest attempt at forced entry, sending instant alerts to your smartphone. Some also monitor temperature and humidity, providing additional environmental insights.
Smart Garage Door Controllers
Gain remote control over your garage door, opening and closing it from your phone or setting automatic schedules. Some models integrate with security systems, sending alerts if the door is left open unexpectedly.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Features for Extra Front Door Security
Once you’ve completed a full smart home security system installation, is there anything else you can do optimise performance? The key points to remember here are seamless integration, quality and durability.
Set up two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code or fingerprint scan in addition to your smartphone app.
Think about allowing guest access
Grant temporary access to friends, dog walkers or service providers with unique PIN codes that expire automatically.
Integrate security measures with any existing smart home systems
Connect your door security features to other smart devices like lights or cameras, creating automated responses for increased deterrence.
For example, your lights could automatically turn on if your door sensor detects activity.
Watch how to choose a smart home system
Start with a quality foundation
Get the best return on investment by choosing doors made from strong, high performing materials before you look at any smart home security features.
A solid oak door or a 44mm FD60 fire door are the most durable types of entrance doors, while doors with glazed panels made from toughened safety glass allow you to see who’s visiting.
After all, there’s no point installing a smart home system if the basics aren’t sorted. Buy front doors online direct from us. Plus, we’ve covered front door security in a dedicated article.
What are the vulnerabilities of smart home technology?
The future of smart home technology is constantly evolving and it’s safe to say nothing works perfectly all the time. Before you make the change, think about these key factors:
Cost
Biometric locks can be more expensive than traditional locks, although prices are becoming more competitive. Ensure you choose good quality products.
Security concerns
While generally considered secure, some concerns exist about potential vulnerabilities in both technology and the companies that hold our sensitive data.
Accuracy
Fingerprint scanners may not work well with dry or damaged fingers, while facial recognition can be affected by lighting conditions.
This is a case of doing your research and trialling different options to find the right fit for your home. Don’t be overwhelmed by technical jargon, go with the products you trust.
The benefits of smart home security
Ensure extra peace of mind and bring your home up to date with simple smart home additions that provide tons of benefits including:
A reduced risk of lost keys
No more worrying about losing your keys and getting locked out if you choose a keyless system. Plus, no need to fumble with keys when your hands are full.
Tamper alerts that help prevent incidents
Some smart home apps can detect if someone is trying to tamper with the sensor, adding an extra layer of security and allowing you to be proactive whatever happens.
Remote access control
Some advanced models allow you to grant or revoke access remotely via your smartphone app. Ideal for our busy lives. You can add multiple users too.
A boost to your confidence
There’s huge emotional value in smart home security….
Properly unwind on vacation. Feel better when you leave the teenagers home alone for the first time. Keep your pets and possessions safe when you have to pop out.
Whatever your lifestyle, it’s never been easier to enjoy the benefits of a safe and secure smart home.
What are the different types of biometric locks?
A keyless entry system allows you to access a locked entrance (like a door or car) without needing a physical key. It replaces the traditional keyhole and key with some form of electronic verification, offering convenience and enhanced security.
So, how exactly do these technologies identify you?
Fingerprint scanners
These use sensors to map and identify your unique fingerprint pattern.
Facial recognition
Cameras capture your face and compare it to stored images for identification.
Iris scanners
These read the unique patterns in your iris for highly accurate identification.
Voice recognition
Advanced models can identify your voice for a truly hands-free experience.
The overall benefit is the concept of unique identification. Your fingerprint, face, iris or voice are unique to you, making it much harder to copy or replicate compared to a key or code.
Make smart home security work for you
Ultimately, security is a layered approach. While smart features are valuable, it’s best to consider them alongside traditional methods like strong locks and deadbolts.
It’s also a good idea to choose reputable brands, so buy from established companies with proven security protocols and data privacy practices.
And lastly, take time to regularly update firmware. Ensure your devices are always up-to-date with the latest security patches to address potential vulnerabilities.
With the right smart home security features for your doors, enjoy that unbeatable feeling which only comes with knowing your home is secure. Even when you’re not there. Explore your options, choose the features that suit your needs and step into a smarter, safer home.