How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Rochester home
Motion sensors are essential elements in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Rochester homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by:
- Pets jumping on furniture or countertops
- Bursts of intense daylight through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
- Drastic temperature or humidity shifts, which cause devices to be overly sensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that senses activity by continually sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion detectors, they recognize movement due to modifications in the reflected signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Rochester home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they can desensitize you to genuine dangers. Additionally, recurring false alarms may become a nuisance to first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by following these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your devices and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Avoid directing them at high-traffic areas like food bowls, even when using pet-friendly detectors.
- Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
- Ensure rooms are adequately insulated to prevent extreme temperature shifts.
- Periodically dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
- Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Many devices will even tell you when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You may also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active tools to identify activity, providing greater accuracy.
How to use motion sensors in your Rochester smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into an automated smart home is a terrific way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Receive instant notifications on your smartphone whenever activity is spotted. You could also use them to notify you when your children arrive home from school.
- Configure indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb utility expenses.
Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify threats and decrease false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Rochester from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to configure a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate mobile notifications. Contact (585) 534-3389 today to design your system.