Smart locks are fast becoming one of the most innovative products in home security today. These consumer-level devices allow small businesses and homeowners to carefully control their homes’ access.
Smart locks offer a range of features, from advanced keyless access systems that allow users to unlock doors with a smartphone app or RFID card to physical keypads that provide a code to the user whenever they enter through the front door.
And this is just scratching the surface of all the possibilities that smart locks offer. But now the question is how long their battery lasts!
How long do batteries last in the door lock?
Most smart locks will run on 4 AA batteries for 6-12 months. This will depend on the exact safety model and many other factors. For example, if a smart lock uses Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it must send and receive data more often, draining the battery faster than a lock with only a built-in keypad.
Similarly, proximity-based locks that require constant communication with a smartphone will drain battery life faster than devices that do not.
The average user accesses a smart lock about five times a day. This means that even if the battery life is six months, you must replace the battery about once every three years.
How Smart Lock drains battery power?
When you think of smart locks, you think of stylish, modern looks and the ability to open doors with just a few taps on your smartphone. These locks are great for convenience and security but can also be powerful. Here are the different communication protocols that consume the battery.
Lock working with Bluetooth: One of the main causes of draining battery life in smart locks is the Bluetooth connection between the lock and your phone. Because this connection must always be available, it continues to run in the background even when not in use, making it a significant power source for the device. Fortunately, you can do a few things to reduce the impact on battery life.
Make sure the lock is as close to the device as possible. This will minimize interference with other devices in the area. Only open one app simultaneously while using the Bluetooth function on both devices.
Otherwise, your phone may open multiple apps simultaneously, draining additional battery power and causing connectivity issues.
Lock that works on Wi-Fi: Smart locks that connect to Wi-Fi consume more battery than devices that don’t. These locks use much power to communicate with the Wi-Fi router, so they must be recharged or replaced more often. Battery life may vary from brand to brand, but you must recharge or replace your battery about once a year to continue working properly.
Locks that work with Z-Wave: If you’re interested in smart locks, you may already have a Z-Wave hub. However, it is important to understand what happens when you use a Z-Wave lock daily.
Z-Wave locks typically consume about 2 watts of power when in use. This means it consumes about 20 watt-hours of energy for 10 hours. This is roughly equivalent to a small lamp’s energy consumption in 10 hours, assuming you use a CFL or LED bulb.
These are estimates only, and actual amounts may vary slightly depending on factors such as the make and model of the smart lock and frequency of use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my smart lock’s battery drain faster?
The smart lock’s battery drains faster when connected to a Wi-Fi Bridge. Connecting these two devices will drain the smart lock’s battery.
Can I charge my Smart Lock?
No. The smart lock cannot be charged. Smart locks are electronic door locks designed to run on batteries. It must not be connected to a power source.
How do I know if my Smart Lock battery is low?
It’s easy to tell when your smart lock battery is low. Most smart locks warn you when they detect low battery, so you can change it before it runs out. Smart locks use LED lights or indicators on the lock to notify you when the battery is low.
Conclusion
Smart locks are great but can be less fun to own as you need to change the battery often. As a result, you need to choose a model that guarantees maximum energy efficiency.
It would help to consider issues other than efficiency when purchasing a smart lock. You must find a smart/electronic lock with good function, durability, and cost balance.
