Honestly, I’m a bit skeptical about those solar locks making it through a Midwest winter. I’ve seen plenty of “weatherproof” gadgets freeze up or just stop working once the ice and snow hit. Maybe they trickle charge on cloudy days, but when you’ve got a week of subzero temps and the sun’s nowhere to be found? That’s a real test. I’d want to see one survive a February before trusting it on my front door.
No More Fumbling For Keys: Did You Know This?
That’s a fair concern. Midwest winters are brutal, and I’ve seen “weatherproof” gear fail too—especially anything with batteries or moving parts. Here’s how I’d look at it: first, check the battery specs on the lock. Some of the better solar locks use lithium iron phosphate cells, which handle cold better than standard lithium-ion, but they’re not magic. If the lock has a backup key slot or USB emergency power, that’s a must-have for me.
Second, pay attention to the solar panel size and placement. Tiny panels on a north-facing porch? Not gonna cut it in January. Ideally, you want a model that can hold a charge for weeks, not just days, since sunlight is so hit-or-miss in winter.
One trick I’ve seen is folks installing these locks on secondary doors first—like garage or shed doors—to see how they cope before trusting them on the main entrance. It’s not foolproof, but at least you’re not locked out if things go sideways. Honestly, until someone posts a time-lapse of one surviving a polar vortex, I’d keep a backup key handy... just in case.
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
I’ve actually tried a few of these “smart” locks on some rental properties, and honestly, the cold is always the wildcard. One winter, we had a keypad freeze up solid—couldn’t even punch in the code. That made me rethink putting anything battery-powered on main entrances, especially in exposed spots. I’m curious if anyone’s seen a model that really holds up after a couple years outside? Backup key slot is non-negotiable for me, too. I’d rather deal with old-school keys than risk getting locked out mid-January...
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
Had a similar experience last year—brand new smart lock, supposed to be “weatherproof,” but the keypad just stopped working after a few snowstorms. Ended up having to climb in through a window, which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re managing properties. I’ve yet to see one that’s truly reliable in harsh winters. Even the ones with backup keys seem to get sticky or jammed after a while. Honestly, I’m starting to think there’s no substitute for a good old deadbolt in these climates...
NO MORE FUMBLING FOR KEYS: DID YOU KNOW THIS?
That sounds so frustrating, especially when you’re juggling multiple properties. I’ve seen a lot of clients get excited about smart locks, but honestly, winter can be brutal on anything electronic. If you’re still open to giving them a shot, maybe try adding a little awning or cover above the keypad—sometimes just keeping the snow and ice off helps a bit. Still, nothing beats the reliability of a classic deadbolt when it’s -20 and you just want to get inside fast. I totally get where you’re coming from.
