How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Hoover home
Motion sensors are essential components in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if unexpected activity is going on at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Hoover homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can tell when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by:
- Pets leaping on sofas or tabletops
- Flashes of intense sunlight through a window
- Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Rapid temperature or humidity shifts, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects motion by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains shifting when the HVAC fan starts up, can set off an alarm.
Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Hoover home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they might lower your sensitivity to genuine threats. Moreover, repeated false alarms can become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may influence response times in the future. Luckily, you can help prevent them by following these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and modify to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Even if you have pet-friendly motion detectors, it’s smart not to point them at high-activity areas like food bowls.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean equipment periodically to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and change as needed. Some devices will even let you know when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You might also choose multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive means to detect motion, providing improved accuracy.
How can you incorporate motion sensors into your Hoover smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a terrific way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get automatic notifications on your mobile device when movement is found. You could also use them to notify you when your little ones get home from school.
- Program indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
- Adjust temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce energy expenses.
Leading smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect real threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Hoover from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and permit you to initiate various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and automatic mobile updates. Call (205) 898-6989 today to learn more.