How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Augusta home
Motion sensors are essential components in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll let you know if suspicious activity is going on at your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Augusta homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets jumping on counters or furniture
- Direct sunlight coming through a window
- Different heat sources, like fireplaces and ducts
- Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that senses activity by constantly emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors recognize movement via alterations in the returning signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Augusta home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they can lower your sensitivity to actual threats. Additionally, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for emergency providers and may influence response times in the future. Thankfully, you can help prevent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity levels of your sensors and change to your pet’s size and behavior.
- Avoid pointing them at high-traffic areas like food dispensers, even when you have animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are sufficiently insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Frequently dust and wipe down equipment to ensure proper function.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Some devices will even tell you when batteries are running out.
- Consider a professional installation to ensure correct placement.
You might also invest in hybrid devices that utilize both active and passive tools to detect movement, resulting in improved accuracy.
How to incorporate motion sensors into your Augusta smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and safety. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive automatic alerts on your cell phone whenever movement is found. You might program them to alert you when your children get home from school.
- Have indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Adjust thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help lower utility bills.
Top-tier smart home devices, like the ones installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify threats and minimize false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Augusta from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and let you program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and instant smartphone alerts. Call (706) 780-3805 today to learn more.