Smart locks have gone from novelty to mainstream in BC homes. The ability to unlock your door from your phone, assign temporary codes to guests, and monitor entry events is genuinely useful — but choosing the right one takes knowledge.
TYPES OF SMART LOCKS
- Bluetooth-only — Work within phone range. Very battery-efficient. No remote access without a bridge. Example: August Smart Lock.
- WiFi-enabled — Remote access from anywhere. More battery drain. Example: Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo.
- Z-Wave/Zigbee — Require a smart home hub for full integration. Example: Schlage Connect.
- Apple Home Key / UWB — Use your iPhone as a physical key via Ultra-Wideband. Example: Schlage Encode Plus.
TOP BRANDS WE RECOMMEND
Schlage Encode Plus — Our top pick. ANSI Grade 1 physical security, built-in WiFi, Apple Home Key support, and an excellent app. The gold standard for Burnaby and Vancouver homes.
Kwikset Halo Touch — Grade 2 with fingerprint reader. More affordable. Good for rental units and secondary doors.
August Smart Lock Pro — Installs on your existing deadbolt interior — exterior appearance unchanged. Perfect for strata buildings with appearance restrictions.
Yale Assure — Clean design, multiple access methods, Z-Wave available for smart home integration. Popular in condos.
SECURITY: WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS
The most important factor is the physical ANSI grade — not the app features. Always choose Grade 1 for exterior doors. Major brands use AES encryption for wireless communication. Avoid no-name brands with unknown security protocols.
All smart locks should have a physical key backup — ensure yours does. In a power outage or complete battery failure, a keyway keeps you from being locked out permanently.
STRATA RULES IN BURNABY & VANCOUVER
Many BC strata corporations require consistent exterior door appearance. For these buildings, the August Smart Lock is ideal — it installs on the interior only, leaving the existing exterior hardware completely unchanged. We've installed smart locks in dozens of Burnaby and Vancouver strata buildings and are well-versed in strata compliance.
BATTERY LIFE
Standard AA batteries last 6–12 months with typical use. WiFi models drain faster than Bluetooth-only. Most locks give low-battery alerts 2–4 weeks before failure. All quality smart locks have a 9V emergency terminal or hidden keyway for battery-dead situations.
PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
While marketed as DIY, professional installation ensures proper door alignment, correct backset fit, and full app configuration. Casper Locksmith installs all major smart lock brands across Greater Vancouver. We configure everything — app, codes, schedules, notifications — before we leave. Call (236) 826-4633 to book.