How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Columbus home
Motion sensors are critical elements in a full-featured home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Columbus homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They monitor changes in infrared radiation in their field of view and can determine when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by:
- Pets climbing on countertops or sofas
- Flashes of intense light through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
- Sudden temperature or humidity changes, which cause devices to be overly sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that senses activity by continually sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains shifting when the HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.
Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Columbus home
In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly disruptive as they may lower your sensitivity to genuine risks. Additionally, repeated false alarms might become a nuisance to emergency providers and may affect response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by following these suggestions:
- Check the sensitivity settings of your devices and change to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at high-activity areas like food bowls, even when you have pet-friendly sensors.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are adequately insulated to help prevent drastic temperature shifts.
- Dust and wipe off devices regularly to keep sensors working properly.
- Inspect batteries and change as needed. Some motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal placement.
You may also opt for multi-function devices that employ both passive and active tools to sense movement, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How to utilize motion sensors in your Columbus smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and security. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain instant updates on your mobile device any time motion is found. You might program them to update you when your little ones get home from school.
- Have indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Change temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility bills.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Columbus from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and let you configure various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant smartphone updates. Reach out to (706) 770-6611 today to design your system.