How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Medford home
Motion sensors are essential aspects in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if dubious activity is going on at your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Medford homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The majority of household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are frequently caused by:
- Pets leaping on tabletops or sofas
- Bright sunlight shining through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Sudden temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that discovers movement by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement due to modifications in the reflected signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Medford home
Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they can lower your sensitivity to genuine threats. Moreover, frequent false alarms may become an annoyance for emergency providers and may impact response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by implementing these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when using pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to direct them at high-activity places like food dispensers.
- Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
- Make sure areas are sufficiently insulated to help prevent extreme temperature shifts.
- Dust and wipe off equipment regularly to keep sensors working properly.
- Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Some motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are getting low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure proper placement.
You could also invest in multi-function devices that utilize both passive and active means to detect movement, resulting in greater accuracy.
How can you incorporate motion sensors into your Medford smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into a modern smart home is a excellent way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive instant alerts on your cell phone whenever motion is found. You could also use them to alert you when your children come home from school.
- Program indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This feature can help lower utility costs.
Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify real threats and minimize false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Medford from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and allow you to configure numerous home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant smartphone updates. Call (541) 697-3284 today to learn more.