Smart Locks vs. Deadbolts: Are WiFi Locks Actually Safe for Houston Homes?

"Can hackers open my front door?"

I get asked this at least once a week. You see the fancy August or Schlage Encode locks at Home Depot, and they look great. No more fumbling for keys in the rain or hiding a spare under the mat.

But are they actually safe?

Here is the honest truth from someone who drills open locks for a living.

The Convenience Factor is Real

I have a smart lock on my own house. Why? Because I have kids.

If they lose their key (which they do), they can still get in with a code. If I need to let a contractor in while I'm out on a job in The Heights, I can unlock it from my phone.

That part is amazing. But convenience always comes with a trade-off.

The Security Trade-off

A traditional deadbolt (like a Schlage B60) is a dumb piece of metal. It doesn't need batteries. It doesn't need WiFi. It just works.

A smart lock is a computer. And computers can glitch.

1. Battery Failure

This is the #1 problem. In Houston heat, batteries drain faster than the box says. If your lock dies and you don't have a physical key backup, you are locked out. My advice: NEVER buy a smart lock that doesn't have a keyway override.

2. The "Kick-In" Factor

Most burglars aren't hackers. They don't have laptops and hoodies. They have a boot. Cheap smart locks are often made of plastic components. A solid Grade 1 deadbolt is hardened steel. If a thief kicks your door, a $300 plastic smart lock might snap faster than a $40 metal deadbolt.

What About Hacking?

Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No.

Unless you are a high-profile target, nobody is sitting in a van outside your house trying to crack your WiFi encryption to open your door. It's easier to just break a window.

The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Get a Smart Lock IF:

• You buy a high-quality brand (Schlage Encode or Yale Assure).
• It has a physical key backup.
• You check the batteries monthly.

Stick to a Deadbolt IF:

• You want maximum physical strength for the lowest price.
• You are not good with technology.
• You have a wooden door frame that hasn't been reinforced (a strong lock on a weak frame is useless).

If you decide to go "Smart," don't rely on the factory settings. Call us to install it correctly and reinforce the strike plate. A smart lock on a weak door is just expensive decoration.