How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Tallahassee home
Motion sensors are critical aspects in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever suspicious activity is transpiring at your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Tallahassee homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation within their field of view and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets climbing on tabletops or furniture
- Flashes of direct daylight through a window
- Different heat sources, such as vents and fireplaces
- Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that detects motion by continually sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they recognize movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unanticipated movement, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Tallahassee home
Aside from interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they might lower your sensitivity to real threats. Moreover, frequent false alarms can become a nuisance to local law enforcement and may affect response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have pet-friendly motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at high-traffic places like food bowls.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Make certain areas are properly insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean devices frequently to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Some devices will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You may also opt for hybrid devices that use both passive and active means to detect activity, resulting in improved accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Tallahassee smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Receive automatic updates on your mobile device when movement is detected. You might utilize them to update you when your little ones arrive home from school.
- Configure indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Alter lighting or temperature settings based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility expenses.
Top smart home motion detectors, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect threats and minimize false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Tallahassee from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and permit you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and immediate cell phone alerts. Call (850) 790-4997 today to design your system.