Review: Yale Assure Lock SL and August Connect Collusion

The Yale Assure Lock Deadbolt, model YRD226, is a smart lock designed to enhance home security and convenience through advanced technology. This deadbolt lock incorporates an integrated keypad and offers versatile wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Cellular, and Wi-Fi, allowing users to control access to their homes via traditional keys, user-programmable codes, or smart devices. Yale, a company with 150 years of experience in lock manufacturing, showcases its legacy through this product, which comes in various finishes, including the reviewed brushed-nickel model, chosen to match existing door hardware. Installation of the Yale Assure Lock YRD226 is designed to be straightforward, typically taking about 15 minutes with only a Philips screwdriver, especially when replacing an existing deadbolt. The lock is compatible with standard doors ranging from 1-3/4 inches to 2-1/4 inches thick and features an adjustable latch for backsets of 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches. The package includes the touchscreen deadbolt, an August Wi-Fi Bridge module, a Bluetooth lock module, an installation guide, mounting screws, a door template, four AA batteries, and two traditional keys. A minor step involves drilling a 5/16-inch hole for the door closed sensor magnet, which can be installed either on the door frame or discreetly under a flush cap. Upon battery installation, the lock provides voice prompts that guide the user through the initial setup and calibration process, ensuring a smooth first-time experience. Users can create a master entry code, which grants access to further configuration, and also generate multiple sub-user codes. A notable feature is the automatic lock function, which can be set to engage after a customizable duration once the door is closed, addressing common concerns about unsecured doors. The August app, compatible with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa, facilitates seamless integration and control. Through the app, users can manage lock settings without needing to use the physical keypad and can operate the lock remotely from any location with an internet connection. The Wi-Fi bridge module, which communicates with the lock via Bluetooth within a range of approximately 10 feet, connects the smart lock to the home network. This connectivity allows for voice commands to unlock the door and enables integration with smart home ecosystems like Wink hubs, supporting IFTTT applets for expanded home automation capabilities. The app also features an activity log, providing a chronological record of when and how the door was accessed, enhancing security monitoring. The design, features, and extensive connectivity options position the Yale Assure Lock YRD226 as a comprehensive solution for modern home security, despite its higher price point. #SmartLock #HomeSecurity #YaleAssure #AugustSmartLock #TouchscreenLock #HomeAutomation #BluetoothConnectivity #WiFiBridge #ProductReview

The Yale Assure SL smart lock is a sophisticated device specifically designed for integration with Z-Wave compatible smart home systems. Building upon previous Yale Assure models, this newer iteration addresses earlier feedback, particularly by enhancing installation instructions through a dedicated mobile application. Yale, a company with over 170 years of experience in lock manufacturing, delivers a product that combines traditional reliability with modern smart home capabilities. Installation of the Yale Assure SL with Z-Wave is streamlined through the BILT app, available on both iOS and Android. This interactive 3D guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions, complete with graphics and images, allowing users to pause at any point during the process. This digital approach significantly improves upon the paper-only instructions provided with previous models. Before beginning the installation, users must ensure their door meets specific dimensions: a face bore hole of 2-1/8 inches, a backset of 2-3/8 inches or 2-3/4 inches, and an edge bore hole of 1 inch, suitable for doors 1-3/8 inches to 2-1/4 inches thick. The physical installation involves removing the old lock, installing the provided latch and strike plate, and attaching the touchscreen unit to the exterior of the door, carefully threading the cable. The most challenging part of the installation involves connecting the cable from the touchscreen to the interior assembly case due to limited space. Once connected, the assembly case is secured to the mounting plate using appropriate bolts, followed by inserting the Z-Wave module and four AA batteries before closing the unit. The entire process is estimated to take approximately 30 minutes. Key features of the Yale Assure SL include a weather protection gasket, one-touch locking, a tamper-resistant battery cover, and a backlit touchscreen keypad to prevent number fading. The lock also includes a privacy button and is available in polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin nickel finishes. A significant advantage of the Assure SL is its broad compatibility with approximately 17 Z-Wave enabled smart home systems, including security systems like ADT and connected hubs such as Wink, Nexia Bridge, and Samsung SmartThings. This allows users to control the lock through the respective hub's mobile application, as Yale does not offer a standalone app for this model. Pairing the Yale Assure SL with a Z-Wave hub, such as the Nexia Bridge used in testing, is straightforward. After creating a Master Pin for the lock, users input the code, press the 'gear' symbol, then '7' and the 'gear' symbol again to initiate the Wi-Fi connection. The chosen Z-Wave app then quickly recognizes and connects to the lock, enabling remote control, event tracking, and even voice commands, depending on the hub's capabilities. For instance, with Samsung SmartThings or Wink Hubs, Amazon Alexa can be used for voice control. The Assure SL also allows for a substantial number of entry codes, supporting up to 250 users when the Z-Wave Network module is installed, a considerable increase from previous models. The Yale Assure SL comes with a lifetime limited warranty for mechanical and finish issues and a one-year warranty for electronics. It is ANSI/BHMA A156.36 Grade 2 certified. The non-connected version has an MSRP of $169.99, while the version with a Z-Wave Network Module is priced at $219.99. Separate network modules for Z-Wave or Apple HomeKit (Yale iM1) are available for $49.99 through specific retailers. The lock is widely available through Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and other major online and physical retailers. For users already invested in the Z-Wave ecosystem, the Yale Assure SL is a reliable and well-designed smart lock option. Its main advantages include ease of installation, comprehensive instructions via the BILT app, seamless integration with Z-Wave hubs, and advanced functionalities like voice control and extensive user code capacity. However, potential buyers should be aware that smartphone control and voice assistant integration are dependent on a compatible Z-Wave hub and its accompanying app, as the lock does not operate independently with a dedicated Yale mobile application. This makes it particularly suitable for individuals committed to the Z-Wave protocol within their smart home setup. #YaleAssureSL #SmartLock #ZWave #HomeAutomation #SmartHomeSecurity #InstallationGuide #SmartHomeDevices #TechReview