Keyless Door Locks

Learn about options for wireless locks to suit your front and back door needs.
Foyer at the HGTV Smart Home 2013 located in Jacksonville, FL

sh13_13-foyer-EPP7379_4x3

Foyer at the HGTV Smart Home 2013 located in Jacksonville, FL

Photo by: Eric Perry

Eric Perry

By: Peter Walsh

Keyless entry to your home is not a new concept. If you have an automatic garage door opener then you already know how this works. But now there are plenty of options for wireless locks to suit your front and back doors.

You should know that like your garage door opener, wireless locks are not really wireless. They still require wiring that runs inside the doorjambs to operate. "Door locks are a big part of the automated process," says Steve Edelman, director at Integrated Electronic Solutions. "The ability to release doors has been around for years, but now you have the ability to do it from off-site."

This is not an area you want to experiment with on your own if you are not completely familiar with how this technology works. It's best to call in a professional who specializes in wireless lock systems, and that may not be your local locksmith.

Security Locks
Loading Video...

The best part about wireless locks or smart locks is that you can control them from virtually anywhere from a smartphone or iPad device. You can allow service people who work for you, entry into your home. "You set up different codes for different people," says Bill Weingarten, owner of HomeTech. "The service person enters their own code in the lock, unlocks the door and then the code is deleted when they leave."

The wireless locks can also be connected to the main control system in your house so it can alert you via text when someone is using it. "When your kid comes home from school you will get a text that they have entered the house," says Weingarten.

If you have surveillance cameras and an alarm system integrated into the wireless lock system there is an added level of security. “When the lock is opened it tells the alarm system to take a video and sends it to your smartphone so you can see who came in," says Michael Pope, owner of Audio Video Interiors.

Next Up

How to Set Up a Media Room

Plan and design an audio-video haven with these step-by-step instructions.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.