How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your New York City home
Motion sensors are essential components in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing New York City 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?
Most residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by:
- Pets jumping on tabletops or couches
- Bright sunlight shining through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
- Sudden temperature or humidity shifts, which cause components to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses movement by constantly broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they spot movement through alterations in the reflected signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your New York City home
Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they can desensitize you to real dangers. Additionally, recurring false alarms may become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these tips:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your equipment and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Even when using pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to point them at busy places like food bowls.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Make sure areas are properly insulated to minimize extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Frequently dust and wipe down devices to ensure proper function.
- Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.
You might also opt for multi-function devices that employ both passive and active tools to detect motion, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
How should you utilize motion sensors in your New York City smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Get immediate alerts on your cell phone whenever activity is found. You might program them to notify you when your kids arrive home from school.
- Have interior cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor is tripped.
- Change thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb energy expenses.
Leading smart home motion sensors, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect real threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in New York City from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and permit you to initiate numerous automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and immediate cell phone notifications. Call (332) 877-9062 today to get started.