How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Pensacola home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Pensacola 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 use passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation in their field of view and can determine when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets leaping on counters or furniture
- Flashes of direct light through a window
- Different heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
- 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 discovers activity by continually broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they recognize movement due to alterations in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains shifting when your HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Pensacola home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly disruptive as they might numb you to actual risks. Additionally, recurring false alarms can become a frustration for local law enforcement and may influence future response times. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by adhering to these tips:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your devices and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at high-activity spots like feeding stations, even when you have pet-sensitive sensors.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to minimize drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean devices frequently to keep sensors working properly.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even tell you when batteries are running out.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal positioning.
You could also choose hybrid devices that employ both passive and active sensors to sense activity, resulting in improved accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Pensacola smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a excellent way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Get instant alerts on your mobile device any time activity is detected. You might also program them to alert you when your little ones come home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
- Adjust thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help reduce energy expenses.
Top smart home motion sensors, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Pensacola from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to configure numerous home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate cell phone notifications. Reach out to (850) 790-5902 today to get started.