How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Salem home
Motion sensors are crucial elements in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Salem homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently initiated by:
- Pets climbing on furniture or countertops
- Intense sunlight coming through a window
- Various heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents
- Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that discovers motion by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they spot movement via alterations in the reflected signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains shifting when the HVAC fan starts up, can initiate an alarm.
Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Salem home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they may numb you to real threats. Additionally, repeated false alarms can become a frustration for emergency providers and may affect response times in the future. Thankfully, you can help avoid them by adhering to these tips:
- Check the sensitivity levels of your sensors and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
- Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-traffic spots like food dispensers.
- Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
- Periodically dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Many motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure proper positioning.
You might also choose hybrid devices that use both passive and active means to identify activity, leading to greater accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your Salem smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and safety. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get immediate updates on your mobile device when movement is detected. You might program them to update you when your kids come home from school.
- Have cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Alter lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help lower utility costs.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like those from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize actual threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Salem from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and let you program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and instant mobile alerts. Contact (503) 994-1230 today to learn more.