How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Duluth home
Motion sensors are essential components in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is moving through your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Duluth homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The majority of residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They track changes in infrared radiation within their field of view and can tell when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets leaping on tabletops or couches
- Intense sunlight coming through a window
- Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Rapid humidity or temperature changes, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that discovers motion by continually emitting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they spot movement via modifications in the reflected signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Duluth home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly problematic as they can numb you to genuine threats. Furthermore, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity settings of your equipment and modify to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Even if you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-activity spots like food bowls.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Ensure spaces are properly insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean components periodically to ensure proper function.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Some motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You may also invest in dual-technology devices that employ both active and passive sensors to sense motion, leading to improved accuracy.
How to utilize motion sensors in your Duluth smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a terrific way to enhance your convenience and safety. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain instant notifications on your cell phone when activity is spotted. You could also utilize them to update you when your children come home from school.
- Configure indoor cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter temperature levels or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility bills.
Top-tier smart home devices, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect real threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Duluth from Vivint when you customize your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and permit you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and instant mobile alerts. Reach out to (218) 585-7945 today to design your system.