How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Decatur home

Motion sensors are critical components in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Decatur homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They monitor changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can recognize when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on furniture or counters
• Bright sunlight shining through a window
• Different heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
• Rapid temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that discovers activity by continuously sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they spot movement through alterations in the reflected signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan kicks on, can initiate an alarm.

Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Decatur home

Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly troublesome as they may numb you to actual dangers. Additionally, repeated false alarms may become a frustration for first responders and may affect future response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by following these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity settings of your sensors and change to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
• Avoid directing them at busy places like food dispensers, even if you have pet-friendly detectors.
• Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
• Make sure areas are properly insulated to prevent extreme temperature changes.
• Periodically dust and wipe down equipment to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and change as needed. Some motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure proper placement.

You may also invest in dual-technology devices that use both active and passive tools to detect movement, leading to improved accuracy.

How to incorporate motion sensors into your Decatur smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a excellent way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Receive immediate notifications on your cell phone any time movement is spotted. You might also use them to notify you when your kids get home from school.
• Have indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
• Adjust lighting or temperature levels based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help reduce utility costs.

Top smart home devices, like the ones from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Decatur from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to initiate a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and automatic mobile notifications. Reach out to (256) 305-1902 today to get started.