How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Houston home
Motion sensors are essential components in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Houston homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets jumping on countertops or couches
- Streams of intense light through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as ducts and fireplaces
- Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that discovers movement by continuously sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement via changes in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Houston home
Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly troublesome as they can desensitize you to real risks. Additionally, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these suggestions:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your equipment and change to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at busy spots like feeding stations, even if you have pet-friendly detectors.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are properly insulated to minimize drastic temperature changes.
- Regularly dust and wipe off devices to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and change as needed. Some devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure correct placement.
You may also choose dual-technology devices that employ both passive and active tools to sense movement, resulting in greater accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Houston smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a excellent way to enhance your convenience and safety. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Get automatic notifications on your mobile device any time movement is spotted. You might also program them to update you when your children arrive home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
- Change lighting or temperature levels according to whether people are home. This functionality can help reduce energy costs.
Leading smart home devices, like those from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect actual threats and decrease false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Houston from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and allow you to initiate numerous automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and immediate cell phone alerts. Contact (713) 597-3506 today to design your system.