How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Charleston home
Motion sensors are essential components in a full-featured home security installation, as they’ll tell you if unexpected activity is going on at your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Charleston homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, review our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense changes in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets climbing on furniture or countertops
- Bursts of bright light through a window
- Various heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents
- Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause components to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects movement by constantly sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors spot movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Charleston home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they can desensitize you to actual dangers. Moreover, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may impact response times in the future. Thankfully, you can help avoid them by adhering to these suggestions:
- Investigate the sensitivity levels of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Avoid directing them at busy spots like feeding stations, even if you have animal-friendly sensors.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are properly insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
- Dust and clean equipment frequently to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and change as needed. Certain motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal placement.
You could also choose hybrid devices that use both passive and active sensors to detect motion, leading to improved accuracy.
How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Charleston smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a excellent way to boost your convenience and safety. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Get instant notifications on your smartphone when activity is detected. You could also use them to alert you when your kids come home from school.
- Configure interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Adjust lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help reduce utility expenses.
Leading smart home motion detectors, like those from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect threats and minimize false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Charleston from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and allow you to program various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant smartphone updates. Call (843) 892-5638 today to get started.