August smart lock are retrofit smart locks. August smart locks is designed to be install onto an existing deadbolt from the inside of the door. Because August smart locks are retrofit smart locks, there is no need to drill new hole into the door, and there is no need to change the exterior appearance of the door.
The August smart lock can function as a retrofit smart lock by attach to the existing door hardware that is already purchased and installed in the door. Individuals must choose a connectivity method for smart locks manufactured by August. The choice of connectivity method will impact on what way individuals interact with the smart lock.
How August Smart Locks Work and Which One to Buy
Bluetooth connectivity allow the lock to be unlocked from a mobile device if the individual is near the door, but Bluetooth connectivity has a limited range. Wi-Fi connectivity allows individuals to control the smart lock from a remote location, such as if they were in a grocery store, but Wi-Fi connectivity drains the battery of the smart lock at a more faster rate than Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, Z-Wave connectivity allows the smart lock to connect to a smart home hub, allowing other smart devices in the smart home to control it.
Each of these connectivity methods should be considered when purchase a smart lock from August. Smart locks from August come in several different model. Each model includes different feature than the others.
The standard models for August smart locks use Bluetooth connectivity, but Wi-Fi models does not require a bridge to connect to Wi-Fi. The August Smart Lock Pro includes Z-Wave connectivity and deeper integration with smart homes. Additionally, most smart locks from August include a feature call DoorSense.
DoorSense includes a magnetic sensor that detect whether the door is physically closed. If the smart lock detects the door as being open, an alert is sent to the individual’s mobile device that have the smart lock installed. If DoorSense detects the door as closed, the auto-lock feature will automatically lock the smart lock.
Auto-lock cause the August smart lock to automatically lock itself after a set amount of time, which can be set between thirty second and thirty minutes. You can use several different method to access the August smart lock. You can use auto-unlock that detects your phones GPS location to unlock the August smart lock.
However, you may experience issue using auto-unlock if there is a weak GPS signal. There is an alternative method to auto-unlock using Bluetooth that will work when the GPS function of the August smart lock fail. Furthermore, you can use your August smart lock app to send virtual key to other people via text message.
These virtual keys have time schedule that can be programmed. Some models of August smart lock also come with a built-in keypad with a code that can be entered to unlock the August smart lock. The August smart lock also has impressive battery life.
The battery life will vary depending on the model of the August smart lock. Most August smart locks use four AA battery that can last several months. However, August smart locks with Wi-Fi will use more batteries as the Wi-Fi remain on.
These models will last for three month on the batteries. If your August smart lock also has a keypad, then it will use AAA battery. These batteries will last for approximately one year.
When the batteries begin to run low, the August smart lock app will alert you. The August smart lock comes with several security feature. First, the August smart lock is ANSI Grade 2 certified, which means that someone cannot easily pick or kick the smart lock open.
Additionally, the smart lock maintain an activity log that displays each time the smart lock is turned or unlocked. The activity log date and timestamp each use of the August smart lock. Depending on your need, the August smart lock comes in several version.
If you are a renter, then the Bluetooth model are best for you since they can be installed quickly and have a longer battery life. If you would like to control your door from a remote location without using a bridge protocol, buy the Wi-Fi model of the August smart lock. If you use Apple HomeKit, the August Smart Lock Pro is the best model for you.
Finally, if you do not have a smart home hub in your home that use Z-Wave connectivity, dont purchase a smart lock with Z-Wave connectivity.