How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Dayton home
Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Dayton homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
Most household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation in their field of view and can recognize when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets leaping on counters or couches
- Bright sunlight streaming through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
- Rapid temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that senses motion by continuously emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they spot movement due to modifications in the reflected signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains shifting when your HVAC fan starts up, can set off an alarm.
Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Dayton home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they might lower your sensitivity to genuine dangers. Moreover, frequent false alarms may become an annoyance for emergency providers and may influence future response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by adhering to these suggestions:
- Check the sensitivity settings of your equipment and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Avoid aiming them at high-traffic areas like feeding stations, even if you have pet-friendly sensors.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
- Make sure areas are properly insulated to help prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and wipe off devices frequently to ensure proper function.
- Check batteries and change as needed. Certain motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You may also opt for hybrid devices that employ both active and passive sensors to sense movement, leading to greater accuracy.
How to incorporate motion sensors into your Dayton smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a terrific way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Obtain instant updates on your smartphone whenever activity is detected. You might also program them to update you when your children get home from school.
- Have cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Change temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This capability can help lower energy expenses.
Top smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect actual threats and minimize false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Dayton from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to configure numerous automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and immediate cell phone alerts. Call (937) 888-2339 today to design your system.