How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Dothan home
Motion sensors are critical elements in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever dubious activity is occurring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Dothan homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They monitor changes in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can determine when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets jumping on couches or counters
- Bright sunlight streaming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, like fireplaces and ducts
- Rapid temperature or humidity shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects movement by continually emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Dothan home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they can lower your sensitivity to actual risks. Moreover, repeated false alarms can become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these tips:
- Inspect the sensitivity levels of your equipment and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Even when you have pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to point them at busy areas like feeding stations.
- Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows that receive bright sunlight.
- Make sure areas are sufficiently insulated to minimize extreme temperature changes.
- Frequently dust and wipe off components to keep sensors working properly.
- Check batteries and change as needed. Many motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You may also opt for hybrid devices that use both active and passive tools to sense motion, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How should you use motion sensors in your Dothan smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a terrific way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain instant updates on your cell phone when motion is spotted. You might also use them to notify you when your little ones get home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help lower energy expenses.
Leading smart home devices, like those from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify actual threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Dothan from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to configure numerous automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and immediate smartphone notifications. Call (334) 378-2166 today to get started.