How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Raleigh home
Motion sensors are essential elements in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever dubious activity is occurring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Raleigh homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The majority of home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets climbing on counters or furniture
- Flashes of direct daylight through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Sudden humidity or temperature changes, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects activity by constantly sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement due to modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Raleigh home
Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more problematic as they may desensitize you to real dangers. Moreover, recurring false alarms may become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by following these suggestions:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your sensors and modify to your animal’s size and behavior.
- Avoid pointing them at busy spots like food dispensers, even if you have pet-friendly detectors.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean equipment regularly to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and change as needed. Some motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.
You could also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active tools to sense activity, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
How to incorporate motion sensors into your Raleigh smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a excellent way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Obtain instant alerts on your cell phone when movement is spotted. You could also use them to alert you when your children come home from school.
- Configure interior cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Change thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help lower energy costs.
Leading smart home motion detectors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize real threats and decrease false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Raleigh from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and let you program numerous automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant smartphone alerts. Call (919) 899-2155 today to get started.