How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Baltimore home
Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing frustration and lost sleep for Baltimore homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They track shifts in infrared radiation within their field of view and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets jumping on countertops or furniture
- Direct sunlight shining through a window
- Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents
- Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that discovers activity by continually sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Called active motion detectors, they recognize movement via modifications in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Baltimore home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they can numb you to real risks. Moreover, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by implementing these recommendations:
- Check the sensitivity settings of your sensors and modify to your animal’s behavior and size.
- Avoid directing them at busy areas like feeding stations, even when you have pet-friendly sensors.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
- Make sure rooms are properly insulated to prevent temperature shifts.
- Periodically dust and clean equipment to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal placement.
You might also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both active and passive sensors to sense movement, providing greater accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Baltimore smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a terrific way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive instant updates on your mobile device whenever activity is detected. You could also use them to notify you when your children arrive home from school.
- Program cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
- Alter lighting or temperature settings based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce utility expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Baltimore from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and permit you to program a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and immediate smartphone updates. Call (410) 231-7697 today to design your system.