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How lighting makes your home safer

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: A home that looks occupied is safer from intruders than one that looks vacant. One of the best ways to make your home look lived in is by keeping it illuminated.

• Leave lights on or set them on a timer before you leave the house.
  
  
• Make sure your porch is well-lit. Dark corners make excellent hiding spots for intruders.
  
  
• Motion-activated lighting, especially outside near garage doors, gates or pools, can make intruders think they’ve been spotted, causing them to move out of the area.

It’s not just about security, though. Good lighting can also improve personal health and safety.

• Include lighting on walkways or near steps to reduce the risk of falls.
  
  
• Install strip lighting along hallways or on stair risers to illuminate a path to the bathroom or an exit.
  
  
• Use plug-in nightlights in children’s bedrooms or a bathroom. Any midnight trips will be safely illuminated without being temporarily blinded by turning on overhead lighting.
  
  
• Choose smart lights or plug a lamp into a smart outlet so you can connect them to a voice assistant. In the event of a fall or other emergency where you or a loved one are unable to reach the light, “Alexa, turn on bedside lamp” could be important.

How to live more sustainably with the right lighting

Of course, all this lighting takes energy. If you’re concerned about CO2 emissions and improving your home’s energy efficiency for cost and environmental savings, the idea of leaving lights on the entire time you’re on vacation probably doesn’t sound appealing. The good news is that you can use lighting for home security without overdrawing from the energy grid.

Choose the right bulbs

For most single-family homes, you have three light bulb options: incandescents, LED and CFL. If you’ve been doing your sustainability homework, you already know that outdated incandescent light bulbs are the biggest energy vampires of the three. A 60-watt incandescent bulb uses, well, 60 watts of energy. The CFL equivalent of the same bulb uses just 14 watts, and the LED equivalent a mere 8.5 watts. That’s a decrease of almost 86% in energy use.

LED and CFL bulbs have another advantage over incandescents: longer lifespan. According to Eartheasy, you would need an estimated 21 incandescent light bulbs for 25,000 hours of use (the equivalent of leaving the light on, non-stop, for almost three years). You can light your home for the same length of time using only 2.5 CFL bulbs and just 1 LED bulb. That translates to less trash in the landfill.

Even though these numbers give LEDs and CFLs the clear win in terms of sustainability, you might be asking about financial cost. It’s true that they’re more expensive up front. However, when you consider how much less energy they require and the lower frequency of replacement, you’ll likely still come out ahead. Eartheasy has a great breakdown of the costs and savings over time for various lightbulbs.

Control your lighting

Once you have the right bulbs, you can improve your energy efficiency even more with the right lighting controls. One option for making your lighting more energy efficient is to use dimmer switches. We often think of dimmers for setting mood lighting, reducing the brightness. But dimming the lights also means they’re using less energy. Install a dimmer for greater control, using only the amount of light – and energy – you need.

A second option is to use motion sensors with your lights. These are most common outside your home, near your doors or garage. Like we said at the beginning, this can deter intruders by making them think they’ve been spotted. And because they’ll only switch on when triggered, they aren’t using energy when not needed.

Finally, and we include this because we hear our dad’s voice in our inner mind, you can go the old-fashioned route and be more mindful of your own daily habits. Remember to turn lights off when you leave the room. Open the curtains or blinds and use natural lighting as much as possible. Install mirrors strategically so that they bounce light around the room and give the illusion of more brightness. And if you’re at your desk, work bench or reading in your favorite armchair, consider tabletop lighting that illuminates only what you need to see rather than the entire room.

Make lighting a part of your smart home

Much like adding extra controls to your lighting can reduce energy use, so can making your lights part of your smart home automation. Including lighting in your smart routines is kind of like putting them on one of those first-generation timer plugs only much more sophisticated. For example, if you have an Evening Routine, schedule your lamps to automatically switch off at a certain time. That way, you won’t be burning through energy even if you forgot to turn something off before going to bed.

Look for smart devices that work together to make this as seamless and simple as possible. With the Leviton Decora Smart^® Wi-Fi^® lighting control line, you can pair lighting with the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt so that when you lock the door, the lights turn off at the same time. You can also set it up so that locking your Schlage Encode deadbolt activates Leviton’s Away Mode. The simple act of securing your door triggers your lighting to turn on and off randomly, making your home look occupied, until you return and put your system back in Home Mode.

When retrofitting your home for energy efficiency, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. How do you even get started if you want to make your home more sustainable? It’s best to take it in stages, changing minor habits you know you can maintain without major inconvenience and cost. Lighting is a great first step. When you’re ready for more, check out our tips for fixing drafty doors and other energy efficient DIYs.

1. Maintain or upgrade major appliances

Major appliances – refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers – can put massive amounts of stress on the electric grid. Not only are the large, often requiring a lot of power to function, but some may be on all the time. Your fridge doesn’t just quit working (thankfully) because you aren’t actively cooking.

Upgrade your appliances to newer versions. Even if they aren’t a high-end, super-efficient appliance, one made in the last few years will still run more efficiently than one from the 1980s. You don’t need to replace all the appliances at once, either. If your budget means you have to gradually upgrade over time, prioritize the oldest appliances or those that get the most use and are more likely to wear down quickly.

All appliances – new and old – should be maintained properly to keep them running efficiently.

Refrigerator

Remove dust from the coils – yes, that means pulling it away from the wall – especially if you have pets where hair and more grime can collect, causing your fridge to run less efficiently. Check the door’s seal. If a piece of paper closed in the door pulls out easily, it’s time to replace the gasket. Set your refrigerator’s temperature to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is sufficient to keep your food safe, according to the FDA, and will help reduce energy use. Need other ideas? Turn off the automatic ice maker, place the fridge in a cool space away from heat sources like the stove and keep it organized so you can find things more quickly without leaving the door open.

Dishwasher

Good Housekeeping has some excellent tips for keeping your dishwasher clean, because if it’s gross, your dishes will be too, and then you’ll be stuck wasting more energy and water washing everything again by hand. In short, gently scrub the rubber seal around the door, wash the filter beneath the spray arm and, every once in a while, give it a thorough cleaning with vinegar and baking soda.

Oven, stove and range

Those food crumbs, drips and splatters on the inside of your oven, on your cooktop and under the range hood are more than just a little bit disgusting. They also keep your appliances from working efficiently. The oven won’t heat as quickly, and your range hood can’t ventilate properly with dirt and grime in the way.

Washing machine

Because the most energy-efficient washers typically only use warm or cold water, you may find you get more residue and mildew buildup around your washer’s interior and rubber seals. Be diligent about cleaning it to keep the machine in good working condition, maintaining its efficiency.

Dryer

Clean the lint trap and air vents regularly. This improves air circulation so your clothes dry faster. As an added bonus, it can also cut down on fire risk. You’ll also want to clean the moisture sensors so that they can accurately determine when a load is dry, signaling the machine to turn off.

Smart appliances can help make your home more energy efficient. ENERGY STAR, for example, points out that a smart refrigerator can send you an alert if the door is left open or lets you look inside without opening the door, perfect for when you can’t decide on a snack or just need to see if you need to buy more eggs.

If you’d rather not connect your appliances to the Internet of Things (IoT), or if you aren’t able to upgrade to a smart appliance just yet, go the old-fashioned route and be more energy efficient by modifying your habits. Run your dishwasher and do laundry at times when your electricity rates are lowest. This puts less strain on the grid and your wallet. Air dry your clothes when you can. And never run a load of wash – clothes or dishes – unless it’s full.

2. Rethink your water heater

Think of all the times you need hot water. Showering, washing your hands, cooking, cleaning the house all require at least warm water, and heating it up can be an energy suck. To make an existing water heater more efficient, start by turning down the thermostat. The default temperature of about 130 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for skin anyway. Reducing it just 10 degrees can conserve unexpectedly high amounts of energy and money.

Also consider insulating your water tank and pipes to reduce heat loss before it even reaches the faucet. And keep an eye on sediment buildup at the bottom of your tank. Especially if your area has hard water, you’ll get crystallized minerals that slow down the water heater and undermine its efficiency.

If you’re looking to upgrade to a more efficient water heater, you have lots of options. First look for ENERGY STAR ratings as ENERGY STAR-certified water heaters can use 50% less energy than other models. Also, you might want a tankless water heater. These tend to be more energy efficient because they only warm up the water you need, when you need it. Other, more traditional models spend a lot of energy heating water and keeping it warm until you’re ready for it.

Whatever kind of water heater you decide on, make sure it’s the right size for your home. Too large and you’re using energy unnecessarily. Too small, and you’ll make the water heater work overtime, which isn’t good for the appliance or the electric grid, either.

Looking for more of those old-fashioned solutions? Switch your washing machine from hot water to warm or even cold, which can reduce energy consumption by about half. Take shorter showers and turn the faucet off when you aren’t using it, like when loading the dishwasher.

3. Help your HVAC work smarter, not harder

In the typical American household, heating and cooling a space makes up 40-50% of the home’s energy use with most of that going toward heating. The first and easiest step toward reducing that energy use is with good maintenance. Change the filter in your HVAC system about every three months. Also, learn the signs of a failing or inefficient system. These include strange smells when it turns on, little air or the not right kind of air – cold air when you have the heat on and vice versa – blowing from the vents, excessive running time and fluid leaks around the unit.

If you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC system, consider a multi-stage system. Unlike single-stage systems that run at full capacity all the time, multi-stage systems vary their output. They might still be operating at full capacity during the hottest and coldest days of the year, but in between? They’re conserving energy.

You’ll also want to pay attention to Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings when looking for a new heating system. For the best efficiency, look for units with ratings in the 80s and 90s, meaning they convert 80 to 90 percent of the fuel they use into heat.

The best cooling systems vary widely depending on how big your home is and your region’s climate. Regardless, look for cooling systems with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of at least 13.

4. Know when to unplug small electronics

Small electronics have become so common in our lives, we’ve essentially become blind to them. When you’re done charging your phone overnight, do you unplug the charger from the wall or just leave it until the next evening? Do you unplug your TV when you aren’t watching it or your laptop when you’ve finished reading emails?

It’s best to unplug devices when not in use so they aren’t drawing what’s commonly referred to as phantom energy. But let’s be honest. Sometimes that’s just inconvenient. In these situations, plug the electronics into a power strip so that you can easily turn them on and off with a single switch.

You can also try a smart power strip. This term can mean a lot of things, including being WiFi-enabled so that you can control the devices remotely from your phone. But what we’re talking about here is smart surge protectors with automatic current-sensing technology. These have a “control” socket so that whenever the device plugged into that main outlet is turned off, other devices plugged into the strip will enter a kind of sleep mode. In other words, turn off your TV and your speakers and gaming system are also powered down. This is also great for the home office.

Preventing air leaks and improving insulation are two frequently tackled home improvement projects of the environmentally conscious. Learn how to check your insulation and fix drafty windows and doors at the Schlage blog.

Bathroom vanities

According to Hunker, the double vanity trend – two sinks, one counter – is on the way out. In its place, interior designers predict two separate vanities or sinks will become more popular. Each person has their own space and storage increases. Separate vanities can also give your bathroom a more luxurious feel and open new style options.

Laundry baskets

If you feel like you’re always overrun by laundry, you might need to increase your hamper count. In addition to the one you probably already have in the bedroom or bathroom, consider a second one in a mudroom or garage. As you and the family come home, you can take off any muddy sports jerseys, damp socks or other items that’ll drip and make a mess as you enter the house.

Smart locks

We often think of installing smart locks on your front door. It’s a great strategy. They improve the security of your home, are convenient and boost your curb appeal thanks to their stylish designs.

A second Schlage smart lock on a different door has those same benefits, especially if your family most often comes and goes through a side door or the entrance to the garage, for example. Maybe you also want a second electronic deadbolt on an interior door such as your home office or wine closet. It could also be on an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) you use as a backyard home office, rental property or in-law suite.

Voice assistants

Did you know that if you have two Alexa-enabled devices, you can use them like an intercom system? Stop yelling to get the kids to come upstairs. Instead, simply ask Alexa to drop in on the Echo Dot in the basement and ask everyone to come help set the table for dinner.

Alexa Guard is a feature that can help improve your home’s security. To take full advantage of the feature, you’ll want more than one Echo. Available to all Alexa users in the U.S. – there’s a free version and Guard Plus for a fee – a compatible Alexa-enabled device will listen for and alert you to certain sounds such as breaking glass or a fire alarm. For monitoring to be most effective, Amazon recommends multiple devices placed throughout the home.

Door mats

Layered door mats is an excellent way to add a bit of refinement to your curb appeal. Sara of Simply Southern Cottage showed us how in her fall front porch décor. Two mats give you more color combinations to play with as well as the flexibility to have something super durable to really get the dirt from your shoes, paired with one that’s even prettier to look at.

Porch lights

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. A well-lit home is a safer home. When you can see where you’re going, you’re less likely to trip and fall. And when potential intruders see lights on, they’re less likely to attempt a break-in, not to mention there are fewer dark corners for them to hide in. That’s why we say two porch lights are often better than one. Install one on each side of your door for better illumination or if you think the symmetry adds to your curb appeal.

Dogs

Because why not? Everyone needs a friend. Plus, a second pet isn’t that much more work. If you need more convincing, check out these adorable porch puppies and our tips for keeping your home clean with pets, no matter how many you have.

Looking for more ways to upgrade your home? The Schlage blog has all the style ideas, organizational hacks, DIY inspiration or security tips you didn’t even know you needed.

January: New Year, new sign

Simple is sometimes the way to go, especially in the midst of a busy holiday season. Glitter Inc.’s DIY farmhouse New Year’s Eve sign is just the ticket. The wood board can be anything – a piece of store-bought plywood, an upcycled cabinet door, part of a wood palette – and the numbers can be painted to your liking. Choose a color that complements the surrounding décor or glam it up with some glitter paint.

February: Fortune at your door

Paper cuttings pasted to doors and windows are a traditional way to celebrate Chinese New Year. The image in the cutting represents a different wish for the new year – a peach for longevity or a peony for honor and wealth, for example. These can be pretty detailed if you aren’t familiar with the art. An alternative could be a DIY banner. Hung at a home’s front door, they’re meant to greet your guests with a message of good luck and fortune. Keep it simple with red and gold paper, some ribbon for hanging and a steady hand for your calligraphy.

March: Welcome, Spring

A spring front porch sign that doubles as a planter? Yes, please. Giggles Galore gives us a guide for personalizing a wooden planter to hang in your entryway. We can’t think of a better way to welcome guests and the new season.

April: Signs of spring

Want to break a few décor rules? Then start by adopting a loose definition of “sign.” This DIY succulent frame from Balcony Garden Web hangs vertically on your wall, so we can’t think of a better way to say and show you’re celebrating Earth Day. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this indoor living wall year-round.

May: Eid Mubarak

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of a month of fasting for Ramadan. While the holiday typically includes prayers and a large meal with friends and family, décor that includes stars, twinkling lights, flowers and lanterns is common in some communities. Hello Holy Days shares its guide for making a garland of simple paper lanterns to include in your own celebrations.

June: Get growing

If you’re prepping for those late-summer vegetables to go in the ground, be sure you have garden markers. The Inspiration Board made simple signs that not only help you keep track of what’s planted where, but also to keep your vegetable garden looking chic.

July: First class Fourth of July décor

If you’ve fallen in love with macrame and the handicrafts that are so popular with Boho modern style, try this DIY wall hanging. Unlike macrame, you’ll need a loom (you can make your own), but the extra effort is worth it when you end up with this American flag-inspired weaving from The House That Lars Built.

August: Studied door décor

Your kids might or might not be looking forward to going back to school, but this sunny wreath from Infarrantly Creative is sure to brighten your front door. Your guests might not even realize it’s made from school supplies until they reach your porch. Hang it for your own front porch décor (and include it in those back-to-school photos) or gift it to your favorite teacher for their classroom.

September: Ready for fall

As the temperatures start to fall, you might be ready to get your front porch ready for fall. Decorate an exterior wall or your door with a DIY fall wreath like this one from Lia Griffith. We love the way she dressed up a store-bought twig wreath with felt leaves. It’s the balance between natural brown hues and splashes of color that does it for us. Choose colors that complement your front door color and other décor.

October: Trick or treat …

… Smell my feet! Mommy’s Bundle shows how to make a simple sign, using your child’s footprint to stamp out some friendly ghosts. This would be great for Baby’s first Halloween. We’d love to see some variations on this, too. Get everyone’s feet involved for a ghoulish family or use a pet-friendly paint for some puppy paw prints. They might not look as ghost-like, but we’re pretty sure they’ll be adorable.

November: Faux mantel, real style

If you don’t have a fireplace but love all that mantelpiece décor you find on Pinterest, a faux mantel like The Red Painted Cottage installed and decorated might be just what you need. Start by adding your favorite Thanksgiving- and fall-themed accessories. Then, when it comes time to hang stockings with care, you’ll be ahead of the game. Find more stylish ways to fake a mantelpiece.

December: Celebrate to the letter

We made it all the way to December without any letter board ideas. Don’t worry. Try one of these messages for your own Hanukkah celebration or if you’ve invited Jewish friends and family to your home for an inclusive holiday party. The Type Set Co. offers their message suggestions. We like “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” and, for something a little cheekier, “Did someone say latkes?”

No matter what you’re celebrating, Schlage has the ideas and the know-how to take your holiday décor to the next level. Find everything you need on our blog and Pinterest.

Robots “maid” for you

In a recent poll, more than 70 percent of people said their homes would be cleaner if they had robots to do their chores. Luckily, we already have access to robots that will help with some of those dirty jobs. Here are a few of our favorites.

Cleansebot

The things we touch and use every day are the same things we should be cleaning most often if we want to keep our homes and families healthy. Sometimes those high-touch items are also the toughest to clean. Enter Cleansebot. This compact robot claims to use UV-C light technology to sanitize 40 different materials, including fabric. This might be the perfect solution for giving couches, curtains and bedding, especially when traveling and staying in hotels, a good cleaning.

iRobot Bravva jet 240

Vacuuming can be a never-ending task, especially if you have pets. Robotic vacuums have been making the chore easier for more than a decade now. For those ready to take it to the next level, you’ll see more mopping robots to help tackle more floor – and dirt – types. You’ll definitely want one for those hard-to-reach spaces like around toilets.

Gladwell Gecko Robot Window Cleaner

This robot will do the dirty work whether you have expanses of windows or very tall ones like those that span multiple stories in an entryway. No more hauling in a ladder and perching on it perilously or paying someone to clean your windows for you. Suction keeps it attached to the window, while AI helps determine where the windows’ edges are and makes sure all of the glass gets a good scrubbing. Don’t forget to try it on stubborn glass shower doors, too.

Grillbot

We’ve been cooking at home a lot more recently. We’ve also been spending a lot more time outdoors. Often, we do both at the same time. That’s why the Grillbot comes in so handy. This automatic grill cleaning robot scrubs and scrapes with its wire brushes so you don’t have to.

Worx Landroid robotic mower

Using much the same technology as robotic vacuums, this robotic lawnmower trims your grass while you stay cool inside or focus on other activities like playing with the kids. The Worx Landroid also has rain sensors that will send it back to the docking station when the weather turns, as well as security features like a PIN number to start operation and alerts if it strays from your yard.

Smart robots for smarter kids

When remote learning became widespread during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, schools and families had to get creative quickly. One of the biggest challenges was finding engaging ways to connect with children and keep their minds growing. Even though our kiddos are back in the classroom, that doesn’t mean we’re ready to let go of these learning-assistive robots.

LEGO Education

LEGO sees learning through play as a vital part of building kids’ social-emotional needs, increasingly important as we navigate the challenges of classroom, virtual and hybrid learning. If your kids have already made The Child, they might love taking it a step farther with LEGO Education SPIKE Prime and other make-your-own robots that teach coding, problem solving and creative design. They’ll think they’re playing, but you’ll know they’re learning essential skills in science, technology and innovation.

Miko 3

This adorable little robot can hear, speak and relate to your child using a variety of speakers, algorithms and cues from your child. Miko 3 is also programmed to help them learn, providing knowledge and skills that are right for their age and that you can control. It speaks multiple languages and can even teach your kiddo a new one. As more research finds that robots can get kids excited about reading, devices like this one will become increasingly popular.

Wigl

Rarely do we see the combination of music education with STEM training. Wigl was created to inspire kids at a young age to get into robotics and engineering. The little bug-looking robot dances based on the musical notes it hears. Your kids will learn the connection between their actions and the robot’s when they can make it “wigl” as they play a song or sing to it.

Cue

Looking for more ways to give your kids a jump start in learning? For those who are ready for the next challenge in coding, there’s Cue. The app houses demos, tutorials and challenges so your young engineer can learn at their own pace and follow their own interests.

Artificial intelligence, true companionship

Yes, many people have a fear of robots. While they’re always trying to take over the world in movies, robots can actually bring us all closer together in real life. We already ask Alexa to tell us jokes. We say, “Hey Google, text Mom.” Experts expect 29 percent growth in the market for “social robots” annually over the next few years, so it’s not a far leap to think that some of these companionable robots will soon take up residence in our homes.

aibo

Everyone tries to create a robot dog, but aibo seems like one that offers the most fun. With artificial intelligence, he can learn his environment and your habits to fit in with your home and family. You can feed him with the app – shake your phone to bring him running at the sound of treats – send him on “Puppy Patrol” to find someone on your People of Interest registry and have him do tricks. As Sony, the maker of aibo, says, his “happiness is spending quality time with you.”

Vayyar Home

Falls are a concern for many, but this robot can help remove some of the worries. Vayyar Home uses radio frequency to tell if someone in the room has fallen. Then, even if they’re unconscious, the device will contact a caregiver. It works anywhere in the home but is especially popular in bathrooms both because falls so often happen in that space and because Vayyar Home does not use cameras. There are also no wearables or buttons that need to be pressed to send an alert. In addition to fall detection, Vayyar Home provides data on night-time wandering, number of visits to the bathroom and time spent resting so you can track changes in your loved one’s health and behavior.

ElliQ

Here’s another robot geared toward helping people age at home safely. ElliQ is part of a care program that keeps older homeowners engaged and mentally sharp through conversation. Described as “a dedicated sidekick,” it also has features related to physical exercise, stress management and more.

Robots on the rise … we hope

Maybe they aren’t real yet and maybe no one knows what exactly they’re capable of, but it’s fun to dream about how some of these space-age robots could improve our daily lives.

Aido

No, it’s not the robot dog. This one combines entertainment, convenience and companionship into one humanoid robot. There’s an interactive projector so you can show movies and play games on a wall. It can also read stories to your kids, help with chores and act as a personal assistant. Connect it to other smart devices and you can ask Aido to do things like adjust the thermostat, see who’s at the door or play music. There’s speech and facial recognition and more AI integration you’ll love to explore when Aido becomes available.

PR2

The assistive robot is still in the research and development stages, but if it becomes more viable, not to mention affordable, the benefits are priceless. The goal is to give individuals with disabilities more independence. In trial studies, it has worked with those who are paralyzed to help them complete tasks as common as scratching an itch. If this robot succeeds in assisting in other ways – eating, dressing, cleaning – countless people will be able to live more “normal” lives.

SpotMini

This robotic dog is a spinoff of Boston Dynamics’ original Spot. While Spot is better suited for construction and public safety uses – in 2021 Hyundai started using it to monitor safety in some of its factories – they anticipate SpotMini to be of greater use in homes. It already has figured out how to help with dishes and open doors. What sets SpotMini apart from other household chore robots is that it operates on four legs rather than wheels. That opens possibilities for assisting on uneven ground and stairways.

Whether for yourself or loved ones, technology can have a lasting and positive impact on lives. Find technology-related gift ideas on our gift giving guide, or learn more about how Schlage smart locks work with the technology you already have on our blog.

Secure access with Schlage door locks + home keys

You’re standing at the door with your hands full and can’t reach your keys. Next thing you know, the bottom of the grocery bag is wet from a puddle, you’ve dropped the files you brought home from work and your kiddo is dancing from foot to foot because they need to get inside now.

Or maybe you’re standing in your entryway, running shoes on, Fido is leashed and the sun is shining just waiting for you to both get out and stretch your legs. But you don’t have pockets and even if you did, you don’t want keys or your phone weighing you down, tugging on your shorts the entire way.

Even if you haven’t found yourself in these exact positions, we’re willing to bet you can still relate. Instead of an armload of groceries, it’s the baby in a carrier and a diaper bag. Instead of running with the dog, it’s hitting the bike trail. Whatever the specifics of the situation, the solution is always the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt.

When you pair Schlage’s latest smart lock with Apple home keys, you don’t have to drop everything at the door or fuss with physical keys. Instead, use the digital key, stored in your Apple Wallet^®, to lock and unlock your door with your Apple Watch^® or iPhone^®. Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS or later or iPhone XS or later with iOS 15 and above is required.

Choose Schlage, Apple or both – at the same time

With the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, you don’t have to choose between pairing your device with the Schlage® Home app or Apple HomeKit®. You can use both – at the same time. For those without an Apple home hub, there are still plenty of ways to control access to your home conveniently and securely.

• With Apple Wallet, you can use home keys to lock and unlock your door, even without an Apple home hub. As long as you’re close enough to the door to tap to unlock, you can use your compatible Apple Watch or iPhone to enter. It’s the same as if you were paying for groceries with the Wallet app or showing your boarding pass at the airport. They’re all simple, convenient and secure.
  
  
• Add and delete up to 100 unique access codes using the Schlage Home app on any smart phone or the Apple Home app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Please note that if you choose to use your Apple device, you will need to be near the lock to activate a new code unless you’re synced with a compatible Apple home hub. More on remote access with Apple Home in a minute.
  
  
• If you want to schedule codes – have them active on a recurring or temporary basis – you’ll want to use the Schlage Home app. This way, you can set the codes to be active only on Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. or on June 10-15, for example. Codes created via the Apple Home app will remain “always on,” activated all day, every day.
  
  
• If you like using Alexa or Google Assistant at home, you can still do that, even if you’ve paired the Schlage Encode Plus lock with an Apple device, too. The deadbolt’s built-in WiFi means you can connect directly to those two voice assistants to check the status of the lock or to lock the door with a simple voice command. Want to use Siri^® too – or instead? Keep reading.

Do more together

If you like to go all in with your Apple device – you have the Apple Watch, HomeKit, an Apple TV, iPad and the list goes on – then you’ll love these extras when you pair your Schlage Encode Plus WiFi Deadbolt with a compatible Apple home hub and the Apple Home and Schlage Home apps. You’ll get all the functionality we’ve already mentioned, plus these.

• The smart home automation you have set up through Apple HomeKit can also include the Schlage Encode Plus lock. Maybe it’s a vacation mode or a Good Night scene that prompts the door to lock. It could be something unique to you and your lifestyle that adds the convenience and peace of mind you expect when you trust your home to Schlage in addition to the easy automation of Apple.
  
  
• By pairing your devices to an Apple home hub, you gain remote access control of your lock using your Apple Home app. Without the hub, you can still lock and unlock the door at short range - of the lock. With the hub, though, you can lock/unlock the door, and create codes from anywhere. (Remote access with the Schlage Home app is still available without an additional hub.)
  
  
• Share an access code with trusted family or friends remotely through the Schlage Home or Apple Home app. If creating and sharing through the Apple Home app, you’ll need to be connected to be near the lock or have it connected to an Apple home hub. Once they receive the code, your guests can use it at the lock’s touchscreen to come and go.
  
  
• Ask Siri to check the status of your lock or to lock the door when the deadbolt is paired with the Apple home hub. You can also still use Alexa or Google Assistant at the same time with the Schlage Home app.
  
  
• Enjoy seamless control of access to your home, even if you have a mixed-device household. Because there’s no need to choose between the Schlage mobile experience or Apple HomeKit, the iPhone afficionado in your family gets all their favorite functionality and Apple automations while the person who prefers Android can do the same.

You can’t really go wrong whether you rely on the Schlage Encode Plus lock’s built-in WiFi for connectivity or pair it with your favorite Apple technology. But when you opt for both simultaneously, you’ll see how you can do more with them together.

Which Apple devices are compatible with the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt?

To take advantage of capabilities such as remote access or home automation via HomeKit, you need to pair your Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt with a compatible Apple home hub such as an Apple TV^®, iPad^®, Apple HomePod^® or Apple HomePod mini^®. To control your HomeKit-enabled accessory, the latest version of iOS or iPadOS is recommended.

At the launch of the new Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt, to use home keys, the following devices are required:
 

• iPhone XS or later with iOS 15 or later, or
• Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 8 or later

Visit support.apple.com for updated compatibility requirements.

What else can I do with home keys?

• Wallet app: Store and access your home keys with peace of mind. Home keys live in your Apple Wallet app, along with your credit cards, car keys and other passes. We are committed to safeguarding your digital access through home keys with the same trusted protection of the personal and financial information you already store in Wallet.
  
  
• Power Reserve: Worried about getting in if your phone battery dies? With Apple’s Power Reserve, even if the iPhone needs to be charged, you may still be able to tap to unlock for up to five hours after their iPhone battery runs out.
  
  
• Multiple locks, one home key: If you have more than one Schlage Encode Plus lock on your home, or maybe one on your own home and another on your rental property, you can control them all with the same home key. That’s the ultimate convenience in the palm or your hand or back of your wrist.
  
  
• Multiple home keys, one lock: You can have multiple home keys set up for same lock, perfect for letting everyone in the family come and go with ease and security.
  
  

To learn more about the Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt and to join our mailing list for updates on product availability, visit schlage.com/encodeplus.

1. 15 robots you’ll want to bring home in 2021

2. How to make your hollow core doors look expensive when you're on a budget.

3. 10 before-and-after porch remodels you have to see.

4. 13 tips to help you safely remodel your home during pregnancy

5. 10 home security lessons to teach your kids now

6. Improve your security for working remotely from home.

7. Beat electronic clutter with these 5 digital organization steps.

8. Green renovation ideas for an eco-friendly home.

9. Top tips for choosing indoor plants and keeping them alive

10. How to understand lever and door handing

Honorable mention

How to clean porch décor: When was the last time you washed that doormat?

Advice for buying your first home: Because buyer’s remorse hits a lot harder on a house you spent thousands on versus a $50 sweater.

Time travel: Vacation safety tips from 1953 that still work: A lot has changed in almost 70 years … but not as much as you might think.

How to set up a home bar for your best holiday hosting: A Joybird study found that a fully stocked bar is the top-ranked must-have for hosting a party, so are your ready?

This is just the tiniest of fractions of what we offered in 2021, hoping to provide you with the ideas and know-how for turning your home into a haven. Find the rest, from DIY projects to technology and security updates, at Schlage.com/blog.

1. Century Handlesets

The Century handleset features a clean, rectangular design that’s often described as tasteful and sophisticatedly modern. This contemporary handleset looks chic when paired with the Latitude, Northbrook or Merano interior levers. Matte Black, Bright Chrome or Polished Nickel finishes really showcase its contemporary roots.

The Century handleset comes in a 2-piece design with separate deadbolt and handleset grip as well as the 3/4 design with the deadbolt and grip combined into a single piece. The variations provide even more options to help you capture the perfect look for your home.

2. Camelot Handlesets

The Camelot handleset brings to mind charming entryways thanks to its scalloped details around the edge. It draws on traditional Colonial style but, because those details are more subtle, also fits into the transitional category. Camelot, which is our best-selling handleset, looks best when paired with the Accent lever or the Georgian knob on the interior and finished in Satin Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze. For a more updated look, consider the Sacramento lever, which, like the Accent lever, is curved but with a gentler wave.

Like the more modern Century design, you can find Camelot as a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset.

3. Addison Handlesets

The Addison handleset tends to lean more to the traditional end of the spectrum, but because of its simple yet sophisticated design, it can also suit well with more transitional homes. Featuring a rectangular shape, slight ridging along the edges and gently curving grip, it’s easy to see its allure. The Addison handleset looks stunning when paired with either an interior Georgian knob and Birmingham lever for the traditional aesthetic. The Avila lever, with similar edge detailing, is also a good fit. However you pair it, try this handleset in an Aged Bronze, Matte Black or Distressed Nickel finish.

4. Greenwich Handlesets

If you like the clean lines of the Century style but want a bit more softness, you’ll love the Greenwich handleset. Ideal for Mid-Century Modern homes, the slight curves of the grip and trim are inspired by the curves of 1950s appliances and cars. This uncomplicated design pairs with a variety of interior door hardware, but it really shines with the Broadway or Sacramento levers. To give the handleset a more modern flavor, choose a Matte Black or Bright Chrome finish.

You can find Greenwich in a 2-piece or 3/4 handleset design.

5. Plymouth Handlesets

The Plymouth handleset is recognizable by its oval shape. Most common on traditional homes, it can also be a gorgeous accent for transitional architecture depending on other, surrounding décor. Because it was inspired by Federal-style homes of the Colonial Era, we love pairing this with the Plymouth or Andover knobs or the Accent lever, particularly in Bright Brass, Satin Nickel or Aged Bronze finishes.

Find more tips and tricks for improving your curb appeal at the Schlage blog. We also have tons of inspiration for you to click through on our Pinterest boards.

It’s the first thing a guest sees when they come to your home – your front door. Make the right kind of first impression when you upgrade your curb appeal with a Schlage entry door handleset. This guide can help you pick the perfect Schlage handleset to meet your security and style needs and turn your home into a haven.

We know you want to get right to picking the fun part – that stylish handle for your front door. But let’s start with how you’re going to secure your home. Just as there are four common functions for interior door hardware, there are four main types of entry door handlesets.

Handle + Mechanical Deadbolt

When you pair your front door handle with a mechanical deadbolt, you can choose between a single-cylinder or a double-cylinder deadbolt. How do you know what’s right for you? Here are the highlights:

• A single-cylinder deadbolt requires a key to lock or unlock your door from the outside only. You’ll use a thumbturn on the interior.
  
  
• A double-cylinder deadbolt requires a key on both sides. Check your local building requirements if you’re interested in a double cylinder. While they are more secure, they can make it more difficult to exit the house quickly in an emergency, so some areas restrict these.
  
  
• Both single- and double-cylinder Schlage deadbolts have a BHMA rating of AAA, meaning they’re graded Best in residential Security, Durability and Finish.
  
  
• We also offer the Schlage Custom™ Single Cylinder Handleset. Choose between a two-piece decorative trim or a 3/4 trim, which includes the lock on the same piece as the grip. A Schlage Custom handleset also makes it even easier to match the style to your interior door hardware, giving you a cohesive look from the front door to back porch and everywhere in between.
   

Front Entry Handle Only

Maybe you already have a deadbolt that works great. Or maybe you want the flexibility to create your own unique look for your entry lockset. Then you might choose just a front entry handle.

• This piece does not include a deadbolt. You will want to purchase one separately depending on your family’s needs and style preferences. If you like this option, remember that you can choose between a mechanical deadbolt or a smart lock. Pairing a front entry handle with one of Schlage’s electronic deadbolts is increasingly popular as people look to combine superior style with convenient access and security. More on this option below.
  
  
• Make a statement that’s all your own by choosing from an assortment of interior door knob and lever styles. Schlage Custom Door Hardware gives you the flexibility and options to create the perfect look to go along with your new handleset.
  
  

Front entry handle.

Front Entry Handle + Electronic or Smart Lock

You love the look of a handleset and you want keyless convenience? We have the style and security solution for you. You can pair your front door handles with any Schlage electronic or smart deadbolt. Ready for the highlights?

• For remote access from anywhere, add a front entry handle to any of our smart locks – the Schlage Encode™ Smart WiFi Deadbolt, the Schlage Connect^® Smart Deadbolt with either Z-Wave Plus or Zigbee technology, or the Schlage Sense^® Smart Deadbolt. The Schlage Encode, Schlage Connect with Z-Wave Plus and Schlage Sense smart deadbolts all have top AAA ratings from BHMA.
  
  
• Add a handle to either of our electronic locks – the Schlage Touch^® Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt or keypad deadbolt – which feature a AAA Best rating in residential Security, Durability and Finish from the BHMA.
  
  
• Installation is simple, even with the technology. Because all our electronic and smart locks are battery operated, there’s no hardwiring necessary and no need to call an electrician or handyman.
  
  
• Schlage is proud of our ability to combine innovative technology with superior aesthetics. Like all our door hardware, smart locks come in a variety of styles and finishes so you’ll be sure your front door continues to make a beautiful statement without sacrificing security.

If you aren’t sure which smart lock is right for your home and lifestyle, try our Get Help Deciding Tool. This interactive quiz will help you find the right match.
 

Front entry handle + smart lock.

Inactive Handleset

Just like inactive interior knobs and levers, inactive handlesets are used as decorative door pulls. You see these most often when you have a double entry door with one locking door and the other primarily for show. When you shop for inactive handlesets, don’t be fooled. It often looks like a deadbolt is included, but that piece is just for aesthetics and is not actually a working lock. For full locking capabilities, you’ll choose one of the options above for the active door.

Because the main appeal of an inactive handleset is its style, it should come as no surprise that we offer Schlage Custom inactive handlesets. These come in extended 3/4 trim from grip to deadbolt to create a high-style look, and you can pair your style and finish with Schlage Custom interior hardware to coordinate your home’s hardware inside and out.

Inactive handleset.

Making home feel like a sanctuary with Schlage

Now that you know which kind of exterior door hardware you need, you’re ready to choose the style that best fits your home. Schlage offers a variety of styles and finishes, from angular lines to flowing silhouettes and classic to contemporary. They’re all designed to ensure that your front door is the perfect introduction to your home. Use this guide to handleset styles to create a perfect match.

Once you’ve brought everything home, installation is easy. All you need is a screwdriver and a few minutes of effort. Check out our installation guide and How-To Center to make adding Schlage door hardware to your home as simple as ever.

Front door

Whether you’re decorating with a traditional holiday wreath or making a holiday display of planters and wall hangings, there’s nothing like fresh, festive holiday greenery to add color, style and fragrance. There’s no end to what you can accessorize with. Garland and wreaths can be customized affordably with pine cones, berries and bows, then changed easily with the seasons. Combine that with the option of literally gift wrapping your entire front door and you’ll have a colorful entrance that comes alive this winter.

Just make sure that your door decorations don’t interfere with the operation of your door or the security of your door locks. Wreaths should be placed so that a peep hole still has a clear line of sight through the center or, if that’s not possible, hung below the peep hole or window. If you use an over-the-door hanger, make sure its thickness doesn’t prevent the door from latching.

The same goes for other décor that might hang down and obstruct the door. For example, how do you hang garland around the front door so that it looks good and still lets your door work right? If you don’t want to use nails or screws in your door frame, you can use adhesive hooks and floral wire to pin the foliage away from hinges. Some companies like Balsam Hill also make garland hangers, which work a bit like curtain tension rods. These help keep your garland overhead out of the way and can also be decorative by their own right.

French door

The idea here is to let your sense of holiday style out while you let the light shine in. Large wreaths can be cut down the middle and hung on both halves of the door to avoid interfering with its opening and closing and without covering the windows. At the same time, there are many magical ways to decorate around the door, framing it in lavish greens and light and festive finery. Garland and fresh greenery can be decorated much like you’d decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments, lights, tinsel and bows.

Because French doors tend to be more traditional, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your favorite vintage décor. Whether passed down through the family, found at a flea market or merely aged artificially to look old, classic ornaments can round out the overall aesthetic of traditional curb appeal.

Dutch door

With a Dutch door, you have two distinct “canvases” to work with. From covering the bottom half in wrapping paper and bows and adorning the top half with hanging decorations like wreaths and seasonal greenery, you’re really only limited by your imagination. Get creative with your door hanging accessories, but make sure the hanger you choose, whether it’s metal, fabric or ribbon, is the proper length for the height of your Dutch door sections. You don’t want your decorations constantly getting knocked off. As always, the wall décor you choose to display around the door can add a warm, festive accent to your door decorations.

Glass doors

Whether inside or out, the key to glass doors is to let the light shine through. Instead of wrapping your door like a gift or using faux frost on the glass like you might on your front door, try hanging a traditional wreath or two so that you don’t obstruct your view through the window. If you like the gift-wrapped look, though, stick with just using ribbons.

This is another instance where what you put over and around the door can make all the difference. Quick and easy wall décor can also be super affordable and there’s no end to the inspiration you’ll find online and at your favorite store.

Hanging décor on glass doors sounds kind of tricky. You obviously can’t use nails. So how do you hang a wreath on a glass door? There are a few methods. For light-weight wreaths, use a suction cup like one you might use in the bathroom, which tends to have more staying power. You can also use an over-the-top hook or hanger. These are often metal, so if you’re concerned about it scratching the glass – or just looking ugly – wrap it in ribbon to soften any rough edges and add visual appeal. Magnetic wreath hangers also work if you place one on each side of the window pane to hold everything in place.

Sliding glass doors

Decorating sliding glass doors for the winter holidays takes a bit of extra creativity since you don’t want the décor to keep you from being able to open and close the door. The answer is to think in 2D. Use spray-on frost or liquid chalk to create the illusion of snow without taking up any space. Wrap pieces of flat cardboard like presents and attach them to the glass, just remembering to keep them thin and maybe skip the bows for this DIY door décor. Finally, try small, beaded garland. Think more along the lines of those strands of popcorn and cranberries than evergreen boughs for a low-profile festive touch. And if you want to hang something larger or a wreath, simply hang it on the side of the door – inside or out – where it’s least likely to get snagged.

Barn door

Don’t forget your indoor decorations, starting with the sliding barn door. They’re big. They’re beautiful. They’re something special. And when it comes to making them pop for the holidays, the sky really is the limit. From one huge wreath (or even a large split wreath with halves can be hung separately) to adorning the doors with large fabric ribbon and wrapping paper (much like you would with a traditional front exterior door), these doors provide a great opportunity to really express yourself.

Smile and style

A child’s bedroom offers endless and wonderful possibilities for holiday decorating. Transform their door – or any other in the house that could use a bit of whimsy – into Santa Claus. Or a snowman. Create a decorative winterscape. Wrap the door simply with paper, ribbons and bows and hang stockings or wreaths. The goal here is to bring a smile to the little ones and some extra holiday cheer to mom or dad. Whether a standard door or even a pocket door, which you still find in many older homes, there’s a lot you can do with a little imagination and just the right amount of holiday spirit.

All of these ideas, from the front door to a sliding glass patio door, can be achieved on even the most modest budget. With proper planning, you can also incorporate wall décor and other stylish yet cost-conscious elements that will add beauty and personality all year round without a lot of hassle. There are even a host of festive things you can do to spruce up your door knobs!

Find more ideas for turning your home into a haven at the holidays, or any time of year, at the Schlage blog and on Pinterest.