How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Minneapolis home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if unexpected activity is going on at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing irritation and a bad night’s sleep for Minneapolis homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of household motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can determine when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets jumping on sofas or tabletops
- Direct sunlight streaming through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Drastic temperature or humidity shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses movement by constantly emitting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they recognize movement via modifications in the reflected signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains shifting when the HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Minneapolis home
Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly troublesome as they can desensitize you to actual dangers. Additionally, repeated false alarms might become a nuisance to emergency providers and may affect response times in the future. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by following these suggestions:
- Check the sensitivity parameters of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when using animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s smart not to aim them at high-traffic spots like feeding stations.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are adequately insulated to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Dust and clean components frequently to keep sensors working properly.
- Check batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion sensors will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.
You could also choose dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active tools to identify movement, resulting in improved accuracy.
How can you utilize motion sensors in your Minneapolis smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain automatic alerts on your smartphone when movement is detected. You might also use them to alert you when your children come home from school.
- Have indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
- Alter temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help curb energy costs.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect threats and decrease false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Minneapolis from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and allow you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and instant mobile updates. Call (612) 662-1765 today to learn more.