How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Des Moines home
Motion sensors are crucial elements in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Des Moines homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets jumping on couches or tabletops
- Streams of intense sunlight through a window
- Different heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
- Rapid humidity or temperature changes, which cause components to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects activity by continuously broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement due to alterations in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Des Moines home
Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they might lower your sensitivity to real risks. Moreover, repeated false alarms might become a frustration for emergency providers and may influence ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by implementing these tips:
- Check the sensitivity levels of your equipment and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Even when you have pet-friendly motion detectors, it’s smart not to point them at busy places like food dispensers.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are properly insulated to help prevent temperature changes.
- Dust and wipe down components frequently to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You may also invest in dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active sensors to sense motion, leading to greater accuracy.
How to utilize motion sensors in your Des Moines smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a excellent way to boost your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Get immediate notifications on your mobile device any time activity is found. You could also program them to notify you when your little ones come home from school.
- Configure cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter lighting or temperature levels based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy costs.
Top-tier smart home devices, like the models from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize real threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Des Moines from Vivint when you plan your comprehensive smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and immediate mobile alerts. Contact (515) 972-5232 today to design your system.