Has it been years, perhaps even decades, since you’ve installedthe current locks in your house in Austin, TX? If so, there’s no better time than now to change them.
A good enough reason is that over a million burglaries occur yearly in the U.S. on average, according to The Zebra. Over half of these crimes are home invasions.
But why exactly should you change the locks on your house? How can it help improve house security?
In this lock replacement guide, the team of experts at Austin Locksmiths will share insights answering those questions. So read on, as you’ll learn here eye-opening facts, stats, and practical home security tips.
1. Old Locks Are Security Risks
Doors themselves are among the longest-lasting components of a home; for instance, fiberglass, steel, or wood exterior doors can last up to 100+ years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Unfortunately, door hardware, particularly the parts that make doors move (e.g., knobs, hinges, and locks), don’t last as long, given all the movement they go through each day. The wear and tear they develop with daily use means they will require replacement within just a few years.
Malfunctioning and outdated doorknobs and locks can contribute to a shorter door lifespan if not replaced promptly. One way this can occur is if a home’s occupants make it a habit to jiggle or shake the knob or lean heavily into the door in an attempt to open it. Some may even get so annoyed and frustrated that they may slam their body onto the door to force it open.
If you or any member of your household does the above, know that criminals can do the same, too. They can take advantage of faulty doorknobs and locks to commit forced, unauthorized entry into your home.
Before any of that happens, partner with highly reliable residential locksmith services. They can help enhance your Austin home’s door lock safety by installing deadlocks or even keyless entry systems, which are among the best residential locks.
2. Austin Isn’t the Safest City
As beautiful as Austin is, it’s not the safest city in Texas, much less the United States. While it’s not the most dangerous, either, many property crimes, including home invasions and burglaries, still occur here. Indeed, PODS.com says that in Austin, there’s a 1 in 26 chance of being a property or violent crime victim.
Don’t put your and your loved one’s safety and security at risk by relying on old or faulty door locks. Get them replaced as soon as possible to minimize your risk of becoming a property crime victim. With better, stronger, and more durable locks installed in your Austin home, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your doors have increased resistance to forced entry.
3. Avoid the Dangers of Lost Keys
In a 2024 article, KVIA.com cited a poll’s findings, saying that Americans lose an average of five items monthly. Keys ranked second in the list of most commonly lost items, while wallets were sixth.
Misplacing these items inside your Austin house can undoubtedly be a nuisance, but if you lose them outside, it can be a serious security breach. In the wrong hands, they can serve as a gateway for crime.
For instance, say you’ve got a spare house key tucked into your wallet or attached to your purse that you’ve dropped or lost. Unfortunately, the person who picks it up has a propensity for crime. They may then go through your stuff, and if it contains IDs with your home address, your home could be in danger of getting burglarized.
Don’t let that happen. Instead, call your local, reliable Austin locksmith operating 24/7. With their round-the-clock emergency services, they can get your locks changed pronto, helping you avoid the risks that lost keys bring.
4. Discourage Potential Burglaries
The presence of high-security, high-tech locks like keyless entry systems can serve as a visible deterrent to potential criminals. When burglars or home invaders see that you have these access control technologies in your home, it may be enough to discourage them. The addition of other home security features, such as CCTVs, can further scare them off.
5. Enjoy Potentially Lower Home Insurance Premiums
Did you know that Texans face some of the highest homeowners’ insurance premiums throughout the country? Worse, these costly yet necessary expenses continue to rise. According to The Texas Tribune, homeowners’ insurance rates in the state increased by almost 19% in 2024.
One way to potentially reduce your premiums is to make your home as safe and secure as possible. After all, when insurance companies determine your rates, they consider how high your home’s risk for property crime is. So, if you enhance its safety and security, such as by installing high-security, high-end deadbolts, innovative keyless access controls, and CCTVs, they may regard it as low-risk.
The lower your home’s security risk is, the more likely your insurer will be willing to lower your premiums. So, be sure to ask your insurance company about discounts after getting your locks changed and your home security enhanced.
6. Keep Costs Associated With Break-Ins at Bay
Break-ins and burglaries aren’t just traumatic experiences. They’re also expensive, as they result in costs associated with:
- Stolen property, especially valuables
- Insurance claims
- Repairing damaged doors and locks
- Potential therapy or treatment for trauma
By preventing break-ins with high-security lock replacement, you can avoid such costs. Most importantly, you can minimize your odds of having traumatic experiences.
Change the Locks on Your House Today for Better Security
From reducing the dangers that old locks and lost keys bring to enjoying lower insurance premiums and greater peace of mind, these are the top reasons to change the locks on your house in Austin, TX, today.
So, if you’re ready to enhance your Austin home’s safety and security, consider partnering with us here at Austin Locksmiths. We’ll use our 17+ years of expertise in residential, commercial, automotive, and garage door locksmithing to help make your property safer and more secure with high-quality, innovative locks and access control systems.
Book your service online today, and be sure to check out our money-saving coupons!