Understanding the Weather Resistance of Your August Smart Lock
An August Smart Lock adds a huge amount of convenience and security to your home. However, if your door is exposed to the elements, it's natural to be concerned about how well the lock will hold up to rain, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Can your smart lock handle bad weather?
This guide clarifies what 'weather-resistant' means for your August lock and provides essential tips to ensure its longevity and reliable operation.
Weather-Resistant vs. Weatherproof
It is crucial to understand that August Smart Locks are weather-resistant, not weatherproof.
- Weather-Resistant: The device is built to resist damage from general humidity, splashes of water, and typical temperature changes. The internal components are sealed to a degree that prevents moisture from a humid day or a light rain shower from causing immediate damage.
- Weatherproof/Waterproof: This would mean the device is completely sealed and can be fully submerged in water without sustaining damage. August locks are not designed for this.
The main part of the August Smart Lock, which contains the motor and batteries, is installed on the inside of your door, where it is completely protected from the weather. The concern primarily applies to the exterior components, like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock's keypad or the lock itself on certain models.
Best Practices for Protecting Your August Lock
To ensure your lock functions correctly for years to come, follow these recommendations.
1. Ensure Adequate Shelter
The most important factor is protection from direct rainfall. August locks are not designed to be installed on doors or gates that are completely exposed to the open sky.
- Ideal Placement: Install your lock on a door that is located under a porch, awning, or other form of overhang.
- Avoid Direct Exposure: Do not install the lock where rain can directly and repeatedly beat against it. This can lead to water ingress over time, causing corrosion and electronic failure.
2. Be Aware of Temperature Extremes
Like most electronic devices, the August lock's performance can be affected by very hot or cold temperatures.
- Cold Weather: The primary impact of cold is on the batteries. In freezing temperatures, battery performance drops significantly, and you may find yourself needing to replace them much more often. The lock's motor may also operate more slowly.
- Hot Weather: Direct, intense sunlight over long periods can potentially damage the finish of the lock and affect the electronics. While less common, extreme heat can also impact battery life.
3. Perform Regular Maintenance
- Keep it Clean: Regularly wipe down the exterior of your lock with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust, pollen, and grime. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners.
- Check the Batteries: Periodically open the battery compartment on the interior part of the lock. Look for any signs of corrosion on the battery contacts, which could indicate that moisture has somehow reached the inside. Clean any corrosion gently with a dry cloth or pencil eraser.
What to Do If You Suspect Water Damage
If your lock's keypad becomes unresponsive or the lock operates erratically after a period of heavy rain, you should investigate immediately.
- Remove the batteries from the interior assembly.
- Thoroughly dry the battery compartment and contacts.
- Install a fresh set of high-quality batteries.
If the lock still malfunctions, the sensitive electronic components may have been permanently damaged by moisture.