How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Tulsa home
Motion sensors are essential elements in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll let you know if an uninvited guest is sneaking around your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Tulsa homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, review our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The majority of residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation within their coverage zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by:
- Pets leaping on furniture or counters
- Streams of bright sunlight through a window
- Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
- Sudden humidity or temperature changes, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that senses activity by constantly emitting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they spot movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan kicks on, can initiate an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Tulsa home
Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly troublesome as they may desensitize you to genuine risks. Moreover, recurring false alarms may become a nuisance to first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Check the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at high-traffic areas like feeding stations, even when you have animal-friendly sensors.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
- Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to prevent temperature shifts.
- Periodically dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal positioning.
You could also opt for multi-function devices that utilize both passive and active sensors to identify motion, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
How can you incorporate motion sensors into your Tulsa smart home?
Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:
- Obtain instant notifications on your cell phone any time movement is spotted. You could also utilize them to notify you when your little ones come home from school.
- Have cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
- Change lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help curb energy bills.
Top smart home motion detectors, like those from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Tulsa from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and permit you to configure a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant cell phone notifications. Call (918) 731-3376 today to get started.