How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Sacramento home
Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an uninvited guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Sacramento homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our tips on minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of household motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They track changes in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can determine when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets jumping on counters or couches
- Bright sunlight coming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Drastic temperature or humidity changes, which cause devices to be overly sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects activity by constantly broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement through alterations in the reflected signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Sacramento home
In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they may numb you to real threats. Additionally, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for emergency providers and may influence ensuing response times. Thankfully, you can help prevent them by implementing these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your devices and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Even when using animal-friendly motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at high-activity spots like feeding stations.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are adequately insulated to prevent temperature shifts.
- Dust and clean components regularly to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and change as needed. Some motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure proper placement.
You may also invest in dual-technology devices that use both active and passive sensors to sense movement, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Sacramento smart home?
Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a terrific way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get instant updates on your smartphone when activity is spotted. You could also utilize them to notify you when your children get home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Adjust thermostat settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This capability can help curb energy expenses.
Top smart home motion detectors, like those from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify actual threats and reduce false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Sacramento from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and let you program various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and automatic smartphone updates. Contact (916) 914-8674 today to learn more.