How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Birmingham home
Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Birmingham homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They monitor changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets jumping on counters or furniture
- Bright sunlight shining through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and ducts
- Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that discovers motion by continually emitting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they recognize movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan starts up, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Birmingham home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly disruptive as they can desensitize you to actual dangers. Additionally, frequent false alarms may become a nuisance to emergency providers and may impact response times in the future. Luckily, you can help avoid them by following these suggestions:
- Inspect the sensitivity levels of your equipment and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Even when you have animal-friendly motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at high-activity spots like feeding stations.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
- Make certain areas are adequately insulated to help prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Periodically dust and wipe down components to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and change as needed. Many devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.
You may also invest in hybrid devices that use both active and passive sensors to detect motion, providing improved accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Birmingham smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a terrific way to enhance your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Obtain automatic notifications on your smartphone whenever motion is spotted. You could also use them to notify you when your kids get home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This capability can help reduce energy expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect actual threats and reduce false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Birmingham from Vivint when you plan your comprehensive smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and allow you to initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and instant smartphone updates. Reach out to (205) 973-4125 today to design your system.