How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Dover home

Motion sensors are critical elements in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwelcome guest is prowling around your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Dover homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, review our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They track shifts in infrared radiation within their field of view and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on countertops or couches
• Streams of intense sunlight through a window
• Different heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
• Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause components to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that senses movement by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors spot movement due to modifications in the reflected signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Dover home

Beyond losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they may desensitize you to genuine threats. Additionally, repeated false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by adhering to these tips:

• Inspect the sensitivity settings of your devices and adjust to your animal’s size and behavior.
• Even when you have pet-sensitive motion sensors, it’s smart not to point them at high-traffic places like food bowls.
• Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
• Ensure areas are properly insulated to minimize temperature changes.
• Periodically dust and wipe off devices to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and swap out as needed. Certain motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are low.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper positioning.

You might also choose multi-function devices that employ both passive and active tools to detect activity, resulting in greater accuracy.

How to utilize motion sensors in your Dover smart home?

Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a fantastic way to boost your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Obtain immediate updates on your smartphone when movement is detected. You might also utilize them to alert you when your little ones get home from school.
• Program cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
• Change temperature levels or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb energy bills.

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

Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Dover from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are animal-sensitive and allow you to configure a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and instant cell phone alerts. Call (302) 321-3498 today to learn more.