How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Hammond home
Motion sensors are essential components in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Hammond homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
The majority of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They track shifts in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets jumping on tabletops or furniture
- Flashes of intense sunlight through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by continually emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they recognize movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.
Ideas for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Hammond home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they may lower your sensitivity to real risks. Furthermore, frequent false alarms may become a frustration for local law enforcement and may impact ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by implementing these suggestions:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your devices and change to your animal’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to point them at busy areas like food dispensers.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
- Make certain areas are adequately insulated to help prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and wipe down devices regularly to keep sensors working properly.
- Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You might also invest in dual-technology devices that utilize both active and passive tools to sense activity, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
How can you utilize motion sensors in your Hammond smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a fantastic way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Receive instant updates on your mobile device when motion is detected. You might also program them to update you when your children come home from school.
- Have indoor cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter lighting or temperature settings in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce energy expenses.
Leading smart home motion sensors, like the ones from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Hammond from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate various automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and automatic smartphone notifications. Reach out to (219) 500-8943 today to learn more.