How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Salinas home
Motion sensors are crucial elements in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever suspicious activity is occurring at your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Salinas homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation within their field of view and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by:
- Pets leaping on couches or countertops
- Intense sunlight coming through a window
- Various heat sources, such as ducts and fireplaces
- Drastic humidity or temperature changes, which cause components to be hypersensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that senses motion by constantly sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion detectors, they spot movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Salinas home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they can lower your sensitivity to real threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms may become a nuisance to first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by following these suggestions:
- Check the sensitivity levels of your sensors and modify to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Avoid pointing them at high-traffic spots like food dispensers, even when using animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
- Make certain rooms are properly insulated to help prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Regularly dust and wipe off components to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal placement.
You may also invest in hybrid devices that utilize both active and passive means to detect movement, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How to utilize motion sensors in your Salinas smart home?
Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a terrific way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Obtain automatic alerts on your smartphone any time activity is found. You might program them to update you when your little ones come home from school.
- Configure interior cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Adjust thermostat settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This feature can help curb energy costs.
Top smart home motion detectors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Salinas from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant smartphone notifications. Reach out to (831) 400-5196 today to get started.