How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Flint home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Flint homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets leaping on tabletops or furniture
- Direct sunlight shining through a window
- Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
- Sudden humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects motion by continuously emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement via changes in the reflected signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Flint home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they can desensitize you to real threats. Moreover, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by implementing these suggestions:
- Check the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and adjust to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Even if you have animal-friendly motion detectors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-activity areas like food dispensers.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Make sure rooms are sufficiently insulated to prevent extreme temperature changes.
- Frequently dust and clean devices to keep sensors working properly.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even tell you when batteries are low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure proper positioning.
You may also opt for dual-technology devices that use both passive and active means to identify activity, providing greater accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Flint smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a excellent way to improve your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Obtain immediate alerts on your smartphone whenever motion is detected. You could also utilize them to alert you when your kids come home from school.
- Configure cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Change temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help lower energy expenses.
Top-tier smart home devices, like those installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify threats and decrease false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Flint from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and permit you to initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and instant smartphone alerts. Reach out to (810) 672-7953 today to learn more.