How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Syracuse home
Motion sensors are crucial elements in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing annoyance and lost sleep for Syracuse homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation within their field of view and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets jumping on couches or counters
- Streams of bright sunlight through a window
- Various heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
- Rapid temperature or humidity shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that detects motion by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they recognize movement via modifications in the reflected signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains shifting when your HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.
Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Syracuse home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they may numb you to genuine risks. Furthermore, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for first responders and may affect future response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by adhering to these tips:
- Check the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and change to your animal’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at busy areas like feeding stations, even when you have animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Make sure rooms are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
- Dust and wipe off devices frequently to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Some motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You could also invest in multi-function devices that employ both passive and active means to sense motion, leading to greater accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Syracuse smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a terrific way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Obtain instant notifications on your smartphone when motion is spotted. You could also use them to alert you when your little ones arrive home from school.
- Configure indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
- Change thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce utility costs.
Top smart home devices, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize threats and decrease false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Syracuse from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and permit you to program various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant cell phone updates. Contact (315) 971-4719 today to learn more.