How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Philadelphia home
Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing frustration and a bad night’s sleep for Philadelphia homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They track shifts in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by:
- Pets leaping on furniture or counters
- Streams of direct sunlight through a window
- Various heat sources, such as ducts and fireplaces
- Rapid humidity or temperature changes, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that discovers activity by continually emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.
Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Philadelphia home
Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they can desensitize you to actual risks. Furthermore, repeated false alarms might become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and modify to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Avoid pointing them at high-activity spots like feeding stations, even if you have animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Make sure rooms are adequately insulated to prevent drastic temperature changes.
- Dust and clean devices frequently to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Certain motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You might also choose hybrid devices that employ both active and passive means to detect motion, providing greater accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Philadelphia smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a fantastic way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Get automatic notifications on your cell phone when motion is detected. You might also program them to update you when your kids arrive home from school.
- Program cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This feature can help curb utility costs.
Top smart home devices, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect real threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Philadelphia from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and permit you to configure various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant smartphone notifications. Contact (267) 493-0789 today to design your system.