How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Killeen home
Motion sensors are essential components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is sneaking around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Killeen homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets jumping on tabletops or couches
- Direct sunlight streaming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
- Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that discovers movement by continually sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion detectors, they pinpoint movement via alterations in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains shifting when your HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Killeen home
Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more troublesome as they may lower your sensitivity to actual risks. Furthermore, repeated false alarms may become an annoyance for first responders and may impact future response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by following these tips:
- Check the sensitivity levels of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Avoid aiming them at busy spots like feeding stations, even when you have animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
- Ensure rooms are sufficiently insulated to minimize extreme temperature shifts.
- Dust and wipe down equipment frequently to keep sensors working properly.
- Check batteries and change as needed. Some devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct placement.
You could also invest in dual-technology devices that use both active and passive sensors to sense activity, providing greater accuracy.
How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Killeen 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 alerts on your smartphone any time movement is found. You could also utilize them to notify you when your little ones arrive home from school.
- Configure cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Change lighting or thermostat settings according to whether people are home. This functionality can help lower energy expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Killeen from Vivint when you customize your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and permit you to program a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and automatic mobile alerts. Contact (254) 351-0495 today to get started.