What is August?
August is a smart lock system that replaces your old deadbolt with a digital version. It uses a motorized bolt that doesn't require you to change the entire hardware on your door. You control it through an app on your phone, allowing you to lock or unlock your house from anywhere. It is basically a way to go keyless without tearing your door frame apart.
Product lines that matter
The main gear involves the smart lock and the bridge. The lock handles the actual turning of the bolt. The bridge connects that lock to your home internet so you can control it when you are not standing right in front of the door. Some versions come with a keypad for the outside of the house, which is helpful if your phone battery dies or you have guests.
Pricing tiers
Pros
The benefit of these systems is the flexible access control. You can give temporary digital keys to dog walkers or contractors without cutting actual metal keys. It saves time because you do not have to drive back across Northwest Florida just to let someone in. The setup is usually straightforward and does not require a professional contractor for the basic install. It integrates well with other smart home tech you might already have running.
Cons
The biggest downside is the battery. When the power dies, you are relying on a physical key or a backup power source. If the app glitches or your internet goes down, the smart features stop working. Some people find the installation tricky if their door is not perfectly aligned, which can cause the motor to jam. It is also more expensive than a standard lock, and you are trusting your home security to a piece of software.
When to pick August vs the competition
Pick August if you want to keep your existing deadbolt and keys but add digital convenience. It is the right choice for renters or people who do not want to replace their entire lockset. If you need a system that lets you manage who enters your home remotely without handing out physical keys, this is the way to go. It is a middle ground between a basic lock and a full security system. Use it when you want the ease of an app but want to keep your current hardware.
Common service calls involving August
Most calls we get involve the lock jamming because the door shifted. This happens a lot in Northwest Florida due to humidity and house settling. We also see calls when batteries leak or the motor fails and the owner is locked out. Sometimes the app loses connection to the bridge, and the customer thinks the lock is broken. We help by realigning the strike plate or manually overriding the system to get you back inside your home.
The honest bottom line
Military PCS orders, previous tenant kicked the door on the way out and the deposit is on the line. August is a credible mid-to-premium lock brand. The product is good; the markup vs off-brand alternatives is real but usually justified for properties you're holding long-term. For short-term holds or pure-budget jobs, off-brand is fine. For any door where security, resale value, or insurance pricing matters, August pays back the markup over the life of the hardware. Finding a locksmith who's factory-trained on August (versus one who just installs whatever's on the truck) is worth the small premium on labor.