If you live in Canada or the northern US, your front door sees everything: freezing rain, snow, road salt and weeks below zero. A smart lock that works perfectly in July can struggle in January. Here's how to choose one that keeps working all winter.
1. Check the weather rating
Look for an IP rating, which tells you how well the lock resists dust and water. IP65 means protected against water jets from any direction. IP68 means protected against dust and long periods of immersion. For an exposed front door, aim for IP65 or better. The Prodillo G2 and V Series are rated IP68, and the R3 is rated IP65.
2. Plan for batteries in the cold
Alkaline AA batteries lose capacity in freezing temperatures, so a lock that lasts a year in summer may need fresh batteries sooner in winter.
- Use good-quality lithium AA batteries if your lock's manual allows them. They handle cold far better than alkaline.
- Turn on low-battery alerts in the app, and change batteries at the first warning.
- Choose a lock with an emergency USB power port, so a dead battery never locks you out. Most Prodillo locks have one.
3. Keep a fingerprint and a code
Very cold, dry or wet fingers can be harder for any fingerprint reader to recognize. Register two or three fingers per person, and set up a passcode as a second way in for the coldest days. Prodillo locks support fingerprint, code, card, app and key, so you always have a backup.
4. Mind the door, not just the lock
- Doors swell and shrink with the seasons. If your door has to be pushed or pulled to lock, adjust the strike plate so the bolt moves freely. Smart locks work best when the bolt isn't under pressure.
- Don't spray de-icer or oil into the keypad or fingerprint reader. Wipe the panel with a soft, dry cloth instead.
- If ice builds up on the keyway, use a lock de-icer on the key cylinder only.
5. Remote access for snowbirds and cottages
Heading south for the winter or closing up the cottage? A smart lock with remote access lets you let in a neighbor, a snow-removal crew or a contractor without handing out keys. Pair any Bluetooth Prodillo lock with the Prodillo WiFi Gateway to lock, unlock and check the entry log from anywhere, with no subscription.
Need help choosing? Try our Find Your Fit quiz or compare models in Prodillo vs Schlage, Yale and others.
