How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Eau Claire home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Eau Claire homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, check out our tips on reducing 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 changes in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are frequently caused by:
- Pets climbing on couches or counters
- Direct sunlight coming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
- Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that discovers motion by continuously sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement through changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan starts up, can initiate an alarm.
Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Eau Claire home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly troublesome as they may desensitize you to genuine risks. Furthermore, frequent false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may influence response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by following these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to direct them at busy places like food dispensers.
- Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
- Ensure areas are properly insulated to minimize drastic temperature changes.
- Dust and wipe down equipment frequently to keep sensors working properly.
- Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Some motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are running out.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure correct positioning.
You may also choose multi-function devices that utilize both passive and active tools to detect movement, providing greater accuracy.
How can you utilize motion sensors in your Eau Claire smart home?
Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a terrific way to enhance your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Obtain instant updates on your mobile device when motion is spotted. You could also utilize them to alert you when your children come home from school.
- Configure indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce energy expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify real threats and decrease false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Eau Claire from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and immediate smartphone notifications. Call (715) 419-6703 today to get started.