How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Lubbock home
Motion sensors are critical aspects in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll tell you if dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Lubbock homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The majority of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation in their field of view and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets jumping on couches or counters
- Bursts of direct daylight through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Rapid temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause devices to be overly sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that detects activity by constantly broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they recognize movement due to modifications in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Lubbock home
Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly troublesome as they might numb you to genuine threats. Furthermore, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by following these tips:
- Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and change to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Avoid aiming them at busy spots like food dispensers, even when you have pet-sensitive detectors.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
- Make sure rooms are adequately insulated to help prevent drastic temperature shifts.
- Dust and clean components periodically to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Many motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You could also opt for dual-technology devices that employ both passive and active means to identify activity, leading to improved accuracy.
How can you utilize motion sensors in your Lubbock smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a excellent way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive immediate updates on your cell phone whenever motion is detected. You might utilize them to update you when your children come home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter lighting or temperature levels in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This feature can help curb energy expenses.
Leading smart home devices, like those installed by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Lubbock from Vivint when you customize your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and let you program a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and automatic mobile updates. Reach out to (806) 615-4325 today to learn more.