Your house is probably one of the biggest investments you will make. It is imperative that you protect this investment, not just for financial reasons but also because your house is your home, a safe haven for you and your family. One of the ways you can protect this investment is with a home security system. Having these systems in place is often a great deterrent to burglars. Let’s look at a few things to consider before buying a home security system.
Alarms Vs. Security Systems
You should know that there is a difference between basic alarm systems and security systems. In general, alarm systems will set off an alarm when a perimeter has been breached. This means that if someone tries to open a window or a door when the alarm is on, you will be notified. This is a very basic type of security you can add to your home, but this is not what most people consider a home security system.
A home security system will include perimeter alarms, but it will also include much more. Home security systems often include security video, call for assistance, and fire alarms. This is a multilayered approach to security.
Power Back Up
When shopping for a security system, be sure to find a system that provides power back up. This means that the system will work even if the power goes out. This is a very important detail because, in some cases, a burglar may cut power to your house in an attempt to disarm the security.
Additional Services
In addition to providing security for your home from fires and break-ins, you can also get additional services added. These types of services could be beneficial during a medical emergency and often assist the elderly or those with disabilities. Some home security systems will include personal emergency pendants which can be worn by the elderly or the disabled. If there is a medical emergency, this pendant can be activated to call for assistance. This brings great peace of mind for other family members or caregivers.
Affordable
Many people are under the impression that a home security system is outside of their budget. Most home systems are very affordable. Installation and monthly service often work on an easy monthly payment plan.
If you would like to learn more about home security, please contact us at Artie’s Lock and Key, serving Fairfax, VA and the surrounding areas.
Smartphones have been all the rage for over a decade now—but what about smart homes? It seems like our phones and our homes will be interconnected sooner rather than later. One facet of a smart home is a smart lock.
If you’ve ever owned a vehicle with keyless entry, smart locks are similar. They are keyless door locks that can be operated remotely through a smartphone application. You can avoid getting locked out by using smart locks.
This article will cover smart locks and some tips to never get locked out of your house again.
No keys necessary
If you’ve ever tried to bring groceries inside and had to unlock your door, you understand how cumbersome that can be. With a smart lock, you can simply open an app on your smartphone and unlock your home’s door. You can do it before you even get out of your car. Never again will you have to worry about losing your keys, as you’ll have total control over your home’s locks.
Superior accessibility
Another benefit of using a smart lock is that you can operate it remotely. If you were running late and left home in a hurry, you may have forgotten to lock your door. With a smart lock, you won’t have to choose between leaving your door unlocked all day or going back to lock it. You can use the app on your smartphone to lock your door if you ever forget. You can even set it up so that you receive a notification telling you that you forgot to lock your door.
Better security
It’s true that you can avoid getting locked out with smart locks. They also provide better home security in a few different ways. First, you won’t need a spare key. Sometimes people try to hide spare keys around the outside of their home. Potential thieves and robbers know this and know where to look for spare keys and may try to use them to get inside.
A smart lock eliminates the need for a spare key. Additionally, there are smart locks on the market that log each entry, exit and attempt to open them. This can come in handy if you have children and don’t want to wait up for them when they come home or want to see who’s tried to enter your home over a particular time period.
System integration
Your home’s smart lock will require internet access and a Bluetooth connection to function. As long as you have stable internet and a consistent power source, this can be a positive. You can even integrate your smart lock with other home security applications like video doorbells or security cameras.
Having all your home’s security applications on the same network can make it easier for them to work together and offer you a convenient way to monitor who’s been coming and going outside your home. Smart locks are even available with numbered key codes or keyholes themselves if you want to have a secondary way to enter your home in the event of a power outage.
Call to get your smart lock today
When it comes to tips to never get locked out of your house again, installing a smart lock is at the top of the list. To avoid getting locked out of your home, call us at Artie’s Lock and Key, where we offer free quotes on smart lock installation.
There are few things more disheartening than losing a key. The same goes for getting locked out of your home. Keys might offer security, but if lost, they can keep you, the rightful owner of your home, out as well.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that locksmiths can help you get back into your home relatively quickly. At times you may have wondered, “If I lost my key, can a locksmith use my lock to make one?” The answer is yes.
Can locksmiths make keys from a lock without a key? Also, yes. Read on to find out how.
Using a key code to cut a new key
One way that locksmiths can create a new key using just the lock is by cutting the key using its key code. This process is made tougher if you don’t have the original key, as the key code is usually stamped on the key itself. For high-security locks, a special card is provided that contains the lock’s key code, and the locksmith can use that.
A licensed locksmith can contact the manufacturer to obtain the lock’s key code. Once the locksmith obtains the lock’s key code, they can use that information to cut a new key using a code cutter. A code cutter is a machine that cuts the key according to the lock’s key code and fashions the key into a usable form. This process isn’t that difficult, but it’s not foolproof, and it can take some time to complete.
Making an impression of the lock
Have you ever wondered, “If I lost my key, can a locksmith use my lock to make one?” The answer is a resounding yes. We covered key codes above, but another nonintrusive way to craft a key is by making an impression of the lock. This is a preferred method because it’s less invasive than using key codes and doesn’t require the acquisition of the codes themselves.
The process is fairly simple if a bit imprecise. The locksmith takes a blank key and inserts it into the lock. He or she then turns the key inside the lock. This process creates impressions on the blank key as the lock’s pins press against it. This indicates where certain cuts to the key will allow it to fit into the lock and turn. The only downside is that this process is inexact and it may take several attempts to get a key that will consistently work.
Deconstructing the lock
Can locksmiths make keys from a lock without a key? Yes, they can, by taking apart the lock. This is a laborious and involved process, as the locksmith must carefully deconstruct the lock without damaging it and reverse-engineer the key by using the positioning and alignment of the lock’s pins and tumblers. If you don’t have the original key, the locksmith must pick the lock before disassembling and measuring it. Once finished, he or she must then reassemble the lock. This method is often a last resort and should be avoided if possible.
Call for your key today
If you’ve lost your key and need a new one, call us at Artie’s Lock and Key. We have more than four decades of experience in the locksmith industry, and we offer a wide variety of locksmith services, so call us today.
With the weather getting colder, it’s important to understand the effect lower temperatures have on your locks. For example, people often wonder, “Can weather prevent my lock from opening?”
In fact, extremely cold temperatures could cause your locks to freeze, making them almost impossible to open.
Read on to learn about more common weather effects on locks.
Freezing
One of the most common cold weather effects people experience with their locks in winter is freezing. When exposed to cold air, the key slit in locks can fill with a layer of ice, making it difficult to insert a key.
You don’t want to get home on a cold day only to find out you can’t go inside because of a frozen lock. Freezing can occur on almost any lock, including your car door locks and window locks.
Contraction
Another common lock problem in winter is contraction. If your locks contract due to cold temperatures, you may not be able to get your key inside the slit. Contraction can even permanently damage your locks.
Maintaining your locks
The best way to keep your locks from getting damaged during winter is by providing them with proper maintenance. Proper lock maintenance should always include regularly oiling all your locks, including your door locks, car locks and window locks. Regular oiling will help prevent rusting and other issues. Just be sure to use a top-quality oil.
It’s also important to prevent moisture from getting into your locks. Moisture will not only lead to rust, but it can also cause your locks to freeze in cold temperatures. Keep your locks away from rain and snow as much as possible. If your locks do get wet, be sure to warm and dry them right away.
Get help when you need it
So, can weather prevent your lock from opening? Absolutely. Common weather effects on locks include freezing and contracting. These issues may not seem like a big deal, but they could cause a major disruption in your day and make it difficult to properly secure your home. That’s why it’s important to take care of problems with your locks as soon as you notice them.
Sometimes you can fix issues with your lock by simply spraying them with a top-quality lubricant. You could also try warming the key a bit in your hand before inserting it into the lock. If these solutions don’t work, you’ll want to get in touch with a professional locksmith.
You don’t want the problem to get worse, and trying to repair a lock on your own could lead to disaster. Instead, let a professional quickly and efficiently repair your lock, so you won’t have to worry about it.
Speak with the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key
At Artie’s Lock and Key, our expert locksmiths will ensure your locks work properly all winter long. Contact us today, and we’ll be at your location in no time to help you get into your home, car or place of business. Some of our great services include door repairs, key replacements and lock replacements.
A good security system starts with an excellent locking system. While most doors already come with locks, it never hurts to add some extra security. Multi-point locks may be just the thing you need for some peace of mind. As their name suggests, these locks feature several different locking points as opposed to one deadbolt.
Below, we cover everything you need to know about these locks, including how to use multi-point locks most effectively.
More about multi-point locking systems
As mentioned above, multi-point locks feature several different points, usually at the top, bottom and middle. Instead of having to break through one deadbolt, an intruder would have to pick through three secure locks. If you’re looking for increased security, there are few better locking options than multi-point locks. These locks make it extremely difficult for even the most experienced lock picker to get through.
Multi-point locks are extremely easy to use, as most operate the same as traditional locks. You simply have to use one key to lock and unlock your door. You can even set a multi-point lock to secure your door after closing it.
How to use multi-point locks
Using multi-point locks depends on the type you get. With older locks, you need to secure them from the inside, turning a lock at each separate point. With modern locks, you only need to use one locking mechanism to lock all three at once. This makes things much easier, so it’s often better to invest in a more modern multi-point locking system. With some multi-point locks, you only need to pull up a lever on your door to engage them all.
Tips for using a multi-point lock
You may already have a multi-point lock and not even realize it. Multi-point locks often run the length of an entire door and feature a bolt coming from the sides and/or the top and bottom. Taking care of these locks is easy as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to routinely spray a Teflon-based lubricant on the lock. Just be sure to avoid removing the lock to service it. Doing so may make the multi-point lock impossible to put back together.
Installing a multi-point lock
Now that you know how to use multi-point locks, you’re probably wondering how to install them. While it’s possible to purchase and install a multi-point locking system on your own, consider working with a professional instead. Multi-point locks can be difficult to install, and you don’t want to end up wasting a lot of time and energy.
Do your research on different types of multi-point locks, and choose the one that fits your needs best. You could also ask a reputable local locksmith for their recommendation.
We work with all brands
Contact the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key to install or repair your multi-lock system today. We can service and replace a variety of brands, including Peachtree, Andersen, HOPPE, Trilennium and Pella. Our services include key replacements, door repairs and lock re-keys.
