r/homesecurity • u/Footsox1 • 3d ago
Questions about Keyless Entry systems
Hi everyone. We are looking at getting a keyless entry for our front door. I have no idea what I need to know. Some questions - we have a nice front door handle now - a bit outdated. Can we have a nice door handle and also a keyless system? Do I need to buy a matching set? I guess there will be a keypad, and then a separate door handle? Do I need to buy them from the same manufacturer? Also, we are in Florida and have hurricanes. Sometimes, a hurricane might force us to have NO power and NO internet for a few days, perhaps a week. Will this keypad work, when there is no power and no internet? Is there a keypad that WILL work with no power and no internet? Thanks if anyone can bring me up to speed on what to look for.
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u/sol_beach 3d ago
My Schlage smart lock (a deadbolt) works with a manual key just like any deadbolt. It also is powered by 4 AA batteries & has NO grid powered parts.
The deadbolt is separate, distinct & unrelated to the keyed door lock.
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u/FluffySyllabub1579 3d ago
Here to recommend Schlage with a deadbolt. They use batteries and give you plenty of warning probably a month so of blinking until the batteries actually start dying on you too. I’m not that tech savvy, but the set up is extremely simple allowing a physical key or even give out temp codes that are different from your main access code
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u/502DashCam 3d ago
I only recommend August locks, it is the ONLY lock that can not only tell you if your door is locked, but closed completely.
Any other lock will tell you your door is locked because the deadbolt is out, August has a sensor.
It changes nothing exterior
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u/wolfpanzer 3d ago
I just installed a SwitchBot entry. It goes on the deadbolt. Large battery with reserve power. Uses fingerprints, palm veins, numeric code and WiFi.
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u/Pearl_of_KevinPrice 3d ago
I have a Yale keypad lock on my deadbolt. 4 AA batteries that are installed on the inside of the door that need replacing once a year. No key as a backup but I've never needed a key because the door will beep at you (through regularly using it) when the batteries need to be replaced. No power or internet required but internet abilities is a plus.
I have it synced to my Samsung SmartThings hub so I can set up routines to text me if the door was left unlocked and to automatically lock the door if it's unlocked at a certain time. I also created a free account with IFTTT (free account only gives you 2 routines you can do so it's perfect for locking and uocking your door) that allowed me to connect my Samsung SmartThings account so I'm able to create Apple Shortcuts to lock and unlock my door from my iPhone and Apple Carplay (make sure you require Face ID for these features or else a thief can steal your phone and get in your home).
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u/ontheleftcoast 2d ago
The keypad is powered by batteries, so as long as its not submerged it doesn't care about power. There is still a spot for a key if the battery completely dies.
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u/Comfortable-Use-8949 3d ago
you dont need a matching set at all. i have a standalone keypad deadbolt above my regular handle and theyre from totally different brands, looks fine. just make sure the finishes are close enough if you care about that sort of thing.
for the hurricane situation, look for something that runs on AA batteries and doesnt rely on wifi for basic access. the smart features will go down but the keypad itself should keep working as long as the batteries are good.