How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Greenville home
Motion sensors are essential components in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Greenville homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our tips on minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most household motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense shifts in infrared radiation in their field of view and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by:
- Pets leaping on couches or counters
- Bright sunlight streaming through a window
- Various heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
- Rapid temperature or humidity shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by constantly broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they recognize movement due to changes in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Greenville home
In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they can numb you to genuine dangers. Additionally, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for emergency providers and may influence future response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these suggestions:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and modify to your animal’s size and behavior.
- Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s smart not to point them at busy spots like food dispensers.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are properly insulated to help prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Frequently dust and clean components to ensure proper function.
- Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Some devices will even tell you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.
You could also choose hybrid devices that utilize both passive and active means to identify activity, resulting in greater accuracy.
How can you use motion sensors in your Greenville smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a terrific way to boost your convenience and safety. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Get instant updates on your smartphone any time activity is found. You might also program them to alert you when your children arrive home from school.
- Program indoor cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter temperature levels or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like those installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect real threats and minimize false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Greenville from Vivint when you plan your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to program various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant smartphone alerts. Reach out to (864) 660-7126 today to get started.