NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
You’re not alone—weather’s brutal on all kinds of locks. I’ve seen both smart and traditional ones fail in the cold, too. Those mechanical locks with RFID backup sound promising, but I wonder if adding more tech just means more points of failure down the road? Curious if anyone’s found a model that actually survives a few winters without drama.
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
I wonder if adding more tech just means more points of failure down the road?
That’s a fair point—sometimes it feels like every “upgrade” just gives us new headaches. I’ve installed a bunch of different systems over the years, and honestly, nothing’s 100% foolproof, especially once winter starts throwing curveballs.
Here’s what I’ve found works best:
1. Start with a solid mechanical lock as your base.
2. Add an RFID or keypad backup, but make sure it’s rated for outdoor use (look for IP65 or better).
3. Regularly check the batteries and seals—cold eats through them faster than you’d think.
4. If you can, install a small overhang above the lock to cut down on ice buildup.
I’ve seen some smart locks freeze up, but the ones with manual key overrides tend to survive longer. It’s not perfect, but with a bit of planning, you can dodge most of the drama. Hang in there—sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find what fits your climate and routine.
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
I just finished building my place last year and went with a smart lock for the front door, thinking it’d be super convenient. Didn’t realize how quickly batteries drain in cold weather—had to crawl through a window once when it died on me mid-winter. I agree, having a mechanical backup is a lifesaver. Tech’s great, but I’m learning the hard way that simple isn’t always bad.
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
That’s a rough way to find out about battery life. I’ve heard stories like that before—cold weather just eats through batteries way faster than you’d expect. I always recommend folks keep a physical key backup, even if it feels old school.
I’m curious, did you go with one of those models that has a keypad or is it all app-based? I’ve noticed some brands are better than others when it comes to battery efficiency, but honestly, nothing beats the reliability of a plain old deadbolt sometimes. On the flip side, I do love being able to let someone in remotely if I’m not home... just wish the tech was a little more foolproof in extreme temps.
Have you thought about wiring in a backup power source or maybe even a solar trickle charger? Not sure how practical that is for your setup, but I’ve seen some creative solutions lately.
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
but honestly, nothing beats the reliability of a plain old deadbolt sometimes
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve installed plenty of smart locks for clients—some with keypads, some app-only—and I always push for at least one physical backup. It’s not glamorous, but when the batteries die in the middle of January, you’ll thank yourself.
I’ve actually seen a few people try those solar chargers, but unless your door gets a ton of sunlight, they’re not super practical. Backup battery packs are a bit more realistic, but then you’re just adding more stuff to remember to maintain. Sometimes all this “smart” tech ends up being more high-maintenance than it should be.
Honestly, I love the convenience (especially when I’m hauling groceries and can’t find my keys), but I’d never trust my house to a system that doesn’t have some kind of manual override. Tech is great, but Murphy’s Law loves a smart lock...
