How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Louisville home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a full-featured home security installation, as they’ll tell you if suspicious activity is going on at your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Louisville homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets leaping on counters or furniture
- Direct sunlight coming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, like 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 senses movement by continuously emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors spot movement through changes in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Louisville home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they may numb you to genuine risks. Additionally, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by implementing these tips:
- Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and change to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Even if you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s advisable not to aim them at high-traffic areas like food bowls.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.
- Regularly dust and wipe off devices to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure correct positioning.
You could also choose multi-function devices that employ both active and passive tools to sense movement, providing greater accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Louisville smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a excellent way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Get instant updates on your cell phone whenever activity is spotted. You could also utilize them to update you when your kids get home from school.
- Have cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
- Change lighting or temperature settings in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility bills.
Top smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize actual threats and minimize false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Louisville from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to initiate various home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and instant mobile alerts. Contact (502) 483-0778 today to learn more.