How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Tampa home
Motion sensors are essential elements in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Tampa homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, review our tips on minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense shifts in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by:
- Pets jumping on countertops or couches
- Intense sunlight shining through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Rapid humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that discovers movement by continually broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement through alterations in the reflected signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan starts up, can initiate an alarm.
Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Tampa home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they may lower your sensitivity to real dangers. Additionally, repeated false alarms can become a frustration for local law enforcement and may influence future response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these tips:
- Investigate the sensitivity levels of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Even if you have pet-sensitive motion sensors, it’s advisable not to direct them at high-traffic places like feeding stations.
- Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
- Ensure spaces are sufficiently insulated to help prevent temperature changes.
- Dust and clean devices periodically to ensure proper function.
- Inspect batteries and change as needed. Many motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure proper placement.
You could also choose dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active means to sense motion, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How should you use motion sensors in your Tampa smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into an automated smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Receive immediate updates on your smartphone any time motion is spotted. You might also program them to update you when your little ones get home from school.
- Configure interior cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
- Alter lighting or thermostat settings according to whether people are home. This feature can help reduce utility bills.
Top smart home motion sensors, like those installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect actual threats and minimize false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Tampa from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to program various automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and instant mobile updates. Reach out to (813) 590-1845 today to learn more.