Smart locks and Colorado winters

Keypad and smart locks end lockouts and hidden spare keys. They also fail in predictable ways. Check three things before you buy.

The door

Most smart deadbolts need a standard bore and a door 1-3/8 to 2-1/4 inches thick. If today's deadbolt sticks, a motor will struggle too: fix the alignment first.

The batteries

Lithium batteries hold up far better in the cold than alkaline. Choose a lock that warns you early when they run low.

The backup

Pick a model with a physical key or a 9-volt jump terminal, so a dead battery never leaves you outside.

Getting it fitted

Standard doors are a screwdriver job. Doors that need a new bore or a deeper strike are quicker with a Fort Collins locksmith.