Smart lock with decent battery life?

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Smart lock with decent battery life?

Trent Reeve
Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 707 posts · 634 votes

I bought my first property in late October and have been going through remodel. I put on a Kwikset Halo which had been working great until about a week ago. I now constantly see "jammed" on the app when it is locked fine. research says that can happen as battery drains (its at 55%).  I didnt get the lithium batteries, so that may help. And I may just have to have the cleaners change the batteries monthly.



what are people's experience with other WIFI smart locks like Schlage Encode? how long do batteries last? 

also, any recommendations for a key-lock box as backup if the smartlock fails? this is a townhome, so hiding spaces are a little limited.

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Carolyn Fuller
Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 651 posts · 736 votes
3y

Any smart lock that is using wifi (versus bluetooth or Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter) will eat up a battery. Both the Wifi and the jamming cause the battery to drain. The drained battery is not causing the jammed notifications. Even if the door seems to be locked, it the bolt did not go back smoothly, it will be reported as jammed.

We got our first smart lock fairly early-on and it jammed constantly, causing us to have to change the batteries much too often. We switched bolts to a tapered bolt and the jamming ended. Our batteries typically last 12 months. It is easy to monitor them remotely, which brings up the 2nd issue. A smart lock on wifi with no intervening Zigbee/Z-Wave or Matter hub will eat up battery power. We are using a SmartThings hub with 2 of our Zigbee enabled smart locks with tapered bolts that rarely jam. We changed the batteries 5 months ago and the battery level is currently at 93%.

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  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    If battery life is what you seek you want the old school turn the deadbolt yourself Schlage. No Wi-Fi though. 

    Most folks use encodes 

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    0Reply
  • Lisa Graesser
    Rental Property Investor · The Villages, FL · Member since 2017 · 341 posts · 397 votes
    3y

    Try the lithium batteries before you change out the lock. Huge difference with use of the lithium batteries. I have the schlage encode and prior to changing to lithium, I would have to change batteries every 5-7 mo. I put lithium batteries in 2 houses in November and the battery is still showing 100% today.

    4Reply
  • Carolyn Fuller
    Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 651 posts · 736 votes
    3y

    Any smart lock that is using wifi (versus bluetooth or Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter) will eat up a battery. Both the Wifi and the jamming cause the battery to drain. The drained battery is not causing the jammed notifications. Even if the door seems to be locked, it the bolt did not go back smoothly, it will be reported as jammed.

    We got our first smart lock fairly early-on and it jammed constantly, causing us to have to change the batteries much too often. We switched bolts to a tapered bolt and the jamming ended. Our batteries typically last 12 months. It is easy to monitor them remotely, which brings up the 2nd issue. A smart lock on wifi with no intervening Zigbee/Z-Wave or Matter hub will eat up battery power. We are using a SmartThings hub with 2 of our Zigbee enabled smart locks with tapered bolts that rarely jam. We changed the batteries 5 months ago and the battery level is currently at 93%.

    4Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    OP
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 707 posts · 634 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Carolyn Fuller:

    Any smart lock that is using wifi (versus bluetooth or Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter) will eat up a battery. Both the Wifi and the jamming cause the battery to drain. The drained battery is not causing the jammed notifications. Even if the door seems to be locked, it the bolt did not go back smoothly, it will be reported as jammed.

    We got our first smart lock fairly early-on and it jammed constantly, causing us to have to change the batteries much too often. We switched bolts to a tapered bolt and the jamming ended. Our batteries typically last 12 months. It is easy to monitor them remotely, which brings up the 2nd issue. A smart lock on wifi with no intervening Zigbee/Z-Wave or Matter hub will eat up battery power. We are using a SmartThings hub with 2 of our Zigbee enabled smart locks with tapered bolts that rarely jam. We changed the batteries 5 months ago and the battery level is currently at 93%.

    Interesting. never looked at Zigbee. my day job is IT and connecting to wifi or this Zigbee hub should not affect power usage. I will have to look into this.
    0Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    3y

    I have a wifi schlage encode. It seems to go through batteries when I first got it.  Now it's been 6 months on the same batteries.

    Stick have a lockbox on one property and it never fails.

    1Reply
  • Leslie Anne Morris
    Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes
    3y

    Schlage Encode is great. They’ve become harder to find lately so if I see them I buy them all. They integrate with my PMS so auto changing of door codes is nice. Battery life is good too. 

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y
    Interesting. never looked at Zigbee. my day job is IT and connecting to wifi or this Zigbee hub should not affect power usage. I will have to look into this.

    So a WiFi radio uses roughly 100mw of juice. The latest Z Wave radios use about 9.9mw. Zigbee can be anywhere from 17mw to 36mw depending. Also, Z Wave and Zigbee radios are in sleep mode 99% of the time whereas WiFi radios are communicating pretty regularly. Z Wave has a distance limit of about 50 meters give or take but each device acts as a repeater.

    We use the Schlage Encode connected to a Samsung Smart Things hub via Z Wave. The batteries last about 9 months before I change them. I swap them at 70% and they end up back at my house for remotes.

    1Reply
  • Brooklyn McCarty
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    3y

    We had 2 Halos and I hated them. 

    Nest Yale has great battery life. It doesn’t integrate with remote lock or jervis for unique codes. You have to input them. 

    Encode is a very good lock. Integrates for unique pass codes with your pms and good battery. 

    0Reply
  • Brooklyn McCarty
    Investor · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 754 votes
    3y

    Also we just put a Amazon basic lockbox down low adjacent to the door with a spare inside.


    we also have a back up to the back to lock box hidden if someone should forget to replace the key when they leave or loose it from the original back up lock box. 

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I use Schlage Encode too.  Beside having a good wifi connection, the most important thing for smart locks is making sure the deadbolt is not hitting the metal strike plate or wood in the door.  When my door was closed, I could tell by moving the Encode deadbolt by hand that it was scraping on the strike plate, which uses more battery power and can cause it to jam completely if the door swells from weather.  I had to spend time cutting some of the metal strike plate so it wouldn't touch it at all.  BTW, Schlage recommends in their instructions to NOT use Lithium batteries, they want you to use alkaline.  

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Agree with @Lauren Kormylo. I also had to grind a bit to make sure the striker wasn't in the way. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it needs to be as free as you can get it.

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    I use this lock box. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/pr...  I have a townhouse too, with nowhere to really put in in front.  I ended up putting it around back, around the large cable going to the heat pump unit on the ground.  It's in a place that's hard to see, with the front of the box turned so the markings are not visible, so it won't attract attention.  

    1Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    OP
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 707 posts · 634 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Michael Baum:
    Interesting. never looked at Zigbee. my day job is IT and connecting to wifi or this Zigbee hub should not affect power usage. I will have to look into this.

    So a WiFi radio uses roughly 100mw of juice. The latest Z Wave radios use about 9.9mw. Zigbee can be anywhere from 17mw to 36mw depending. Also, Z Wave and Zigbee radios are in sleep mode 99% of the time whereas WiFi radios are communicating pretty regularly. Z Wave has a distance limit of about 50 meters give or take but each device acts as a repeater.

    We use the Schlage Encode connected to a Samsung Smart Things hub via Z Wave. The batteries last about 9 months before I change them. I swap them at 70% and they end up back at my house for remotes.


     which Z wave hub

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    3y

    Hey @Trent Reeve, I am using a Samsung Smart Things hub. There are others like the Hubitat. The Samsung is well supported in the community, people write 3rd party apps for it and is one of the more popular products.

    There are others that have more flexibility, but take more work to setup. It is all up to you.

    I have had my Smart Things going for about 3 years now with zero issues. It makes it very easy to manage any devices like the lock or the thermostat. You can setup lights, cameras and the like as well.

    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    3y

    @Trent Reeve

    We with 75 properties use the encodes. We also have lynx automation and can see battery life on our app for each property.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
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    1Reply
  • Mason Hickman
    Real Estate Agent · Sandwich, MA · Member since 2014 · 974 posts · 636 votes
    3y

    @Trent Reeve

    We went through two shlage encodes very quickly on one particular house. I like the lock but there was an A/C vent right next to the door and we had condensation issues with the locks getting wet inside and malfunctioning. Switched to a kwikset halo and it stopped the issue. Lock settings on Shlage are better but this was our experience in a unique situation.

    0Reply
  • Christina M.
    Rental Property Investor · PA · Member since 2017 · 69 posts · 60 votes
    3y

    @Trent Reeve

    Contact Schlage directly the Customer Service is exceptional. You need lock information serial number etc., all can be handled on-line. They have always been quick to respond.

    0Reply
  • William LokarBusiness Member
    Realtor · Northeast TN and Central VA · Member since 2021 · 50 posts · 37 votes
    3y

    The Kwikset halo does hav that issue.  We have had the same problem.  If the lock is lot aligned properly it will "jam" alot.  I realigned the lock and the bore in the jam and the amount of jamming has decreased and the battery life has increased.  Nevertheless, I keep plenty of batteries in the owners closet and have them replaced by the cleaners/PM when battery life drops to 60%.  

    0Reply
  • Trent Reeve
    OP
    Atlanta · Member since 2022 · 707 posts · 634 votes
    3y
    Quote from @William Lokar:

    The Kwikset halo does hav that issue.  We have had the same problem.  If the lock is lot aligned properly it will "jam" alot.  I realigned the lock and the bore in the jam and the amount of jamming has decreased and the battery life has increased.  Nevertheless, I keep plenty of batteries in the owners closet and have them replaced by the cleaners/PM when battery life drops to 60%.  


     how much life do you get out of the batteries? 2 months? 6 months?

    0Reply
  • Jay ThomasPro Member
    Real Estate Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 715 votes
    3y

    Changing from alkaline to lithium batteries in the Real Estate lock is one of the best changes you can make. I've owned houses with Schlage Encode locks and prior to changing over to lithium, I would have to change batteries every 5-7 months. After switching to lithium batteries, this has drastically changed - I replaced the batteries in two Real Estate properties back in November and they are still showing 100% today! It's amazing how much of a difference that simple change makes. Highly recommend giving it a try!

    From my experience, using lithium batteries will save you time and money while ensuring your Real Estate property remains secure. Give it a shot - you won't regret it!

    [email protected]832-889-5607
    0Reply
  • William LokarBusiness Member
    Realtor · Northeast TN and Central VA · Member since 2021 · 50 posts · 37 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Trent Reeve:
    Quote from @William Lokar:

    The Kwikset halo does hav that issue.  We have had the same problem.  If the lock is lot aligned properly it will "jam" alot.  I realigned the lock and the bore in the jam and the amount of jamming has decreased and the battery life has increased.  Nevertheless, I keep plenty of batteries in the owners closet and have them replaced by the cleaners/PM when battery life drops to 60%.  


     how much life do you get out of the batteries? 2 months? 6 months?

    It really depends on occupancy and usage.   About 2 months. 
    0Reply
  • Pat Murphy
    Member since 2022 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Michael Baum:

    Hey @Trent Reeve, I am using a Samsung Smart Things hub. There are others like the Hubitat. The Samsung is well supported in the community, people write 3rd party apps for it and is one of the more popular products.

    There are others that have more flexibility, but take more work to setup. It is all up to you.

    I have had my Smart Things going for about 3 years now with zero issues. It makes it very easy to manage any devices like the lock or the thermostat. You can setup lights, cameras and the like as well.

    Hey Michael, which SmartThings hub do you use? There seem to be many options. We have some Schlage Connect locks, which work on Z-Wave. It seems better battery life than WiFi, and I'd rather not change to the Encores if I can just as easily keep using the Connects. We only need a hub and I'm not sure which to get.

    0Reply
  • Carolyn Fuller
    Cambridge, MA · Member since 2015 · 651 posts · 736 votes
    2y

    Aeotec Smart Home Hub is the best SmartThings hub. It replaced the original SmartThings hub, which is confusing, but I have had both and they both work seamlessly with SmartThings software. You can read about it here: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-smart-home-hubs,review-320...

    1Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    So I still use the V3.0 SmartThings hub from Samsung. Like @Carolyn Fuller said it can be a bit hard to setup, but there is a ton of info on them.

    I have not tried the Aeotec units as I haven't needed one, but maybe for my primary as I installed a Connect lock last year.

    I would give it a shot like Carolyn said. Read the Tom's article, they are pretty solid when it comes to tech reviews.

    0Reply
  • John MorganPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Grand Prairie, TX · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Trent Reeve

    I have kwik sets on two properties I rent out by the room. I have to change batteries about once a month on one. And every 6 or 7 weeks with the other. It’s annoying. And mine says jammed occasionally when the battery gets low.

    0Reply
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