How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Jefferson City home
Motion sensors are critical aspects in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an unwanted guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Jefferson City homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, review our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
Most residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation within their coverage zone and can tell when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by:
- Pets climbing on countertops or furniture
- Flashes of intense light through a window
- Different heat sources, such as vents and fireplaces
- Sudden humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that detects motion by constantly sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors spot movement due to changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Jefferson City home
Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they might desensitize you to genuine dangers. Furthermore, repeated false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may affect future response times. Thankfully, you can help avoid them by adhering to these suggestions:
- Investigate the sensitivity settings of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s smart not to direct them at busy spots like food bowls.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are properly insulated to minimize extreme temperature changes.
- Dust and wipe off equipment frequently to keep sensors clear.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Certain motion sensors will even tell you when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.
You may also invest in hybrid devices that use both active and passive sensors to identify movement, leading to improved accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Jefferson City smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a fantastic way to improve your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get immediate updates on your smartphone when movement is detected. You could also program them to update you when your little ones come home from school.
- Have interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This feature can help reduce energy expenses.
Top smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect threats and decrease false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Jefferson City from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and permit you to initiate numerous home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant mobile alerts. Reach out to (573) 498-8565 today to design your system.