How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Chicago home
Motion sensors are critical elements in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwelcome guest is moving through your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Chicago homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The majority of residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They track shifts in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets climbing on counters or furniture
- Bursts of direct light through a window
- Various heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
- Rapid temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by continually emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors recognize movement due to modifications in the returning signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Chicago home
In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they might lower your sensitivity to genuine threats. Furthermore, repeated false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may influence response times in the future. Thankfully, you can help prevent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity levels of your equipment and change to your animal’s size and behavior.
- Avoid directing them at high-activity places like food bowls, even when you have pet-friendly detectors.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
- Make sure spaces are adequately insulated to minimize drastic temperature shifts.
- Regularly dust and clean components to ensure proper function.
- Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even tell you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You may also opt for multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive tools to detect movement, resulting in improved accuracy.
How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Chicago smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a terrific way to enhance your convenience and security. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain immediate updates on your mobile device when activity is spotted. You might also utilize them to notify you when your children arrive home from school.
- Program cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
- Adjust thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help lower energy expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like those from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to better recognize actual threats and reduce false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the best motion sensors in Chicago from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and permit you to program numerous automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and immediate cell phone updates. Contact (312) 626-4802 today to design your system.