How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Greensboro home
Motion sensors are essential components in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if suspicious activity is going on at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Greensboro homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The majority of residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They track fluctuations in infrared radiation within their coverage zone and can tell when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by:
- Pets jumping on countertops or sofas
- Direct sunlight shining through a window
- Different heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that detects activity by continuously broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they spot movement through alterations in the returning signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Greensboro home
Aside from interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they might lower your sensitivity to real threats. Moreover, repeated false alarms might become a nuisance to local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by following these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your devices and change to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Even if you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to aim them at busy areas like feeding stations.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
- Ensure spaces are properly insulated to minimize temperature changes.
- Dust and wipe down components frequently to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion sensors will even tell you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.
You could also invest in dual-technology devices that employ both active and passive sensors to sense activity, leading to improved accuracy.
How to incorporate motion sensors into your Greensboro smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a excellent way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get automatic notifications on your cell phone whenever motion is found. You might utilize them to update you when your kids arrive home from school.
- Program cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb energy bills.
Top smart home devices, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify real threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Greensboro from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and automatic smartphone updates. Contact (336) 962-5081 today to learn more.