How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Harrisburg home
Motion sensors are crucial components in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is prowling around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Harrisburg homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They track changes in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can tell when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently initiated by:
- Pets jumping on furniture or countertops
- Intense sunlight shining through a window
- Various heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that senses activity by continually broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they recognize movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.
Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Harrisburg home
In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly problematic as they may desensitize you to actual dangers. Moreover, frequent false alarms may become a frustration for emergency providers and may influence future response times. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and change to your animal’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to aim them at busy areas like food dispensers.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
- Ensure spaces are properly insulated to help prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Regularly dust and wipe down components to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and change as needed. Some motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are getting low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure proper placement.
You could also invest in hybrid devices that utilize both passive and active sensors to identify motion, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How should you use motion sensors in your Harrisburg smart home?
Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a terrific way to enhance your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive instant updates on your smartphone when activity is detected. You might also use them to update you when your children get home from school.
- Program interior cameras to record when a motion sensor triggers.
- Change thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb utility expenses.
Leading smart home motion sensors, like those from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect real threats and minimize false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Harrisburg from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and permit you to program various automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and automatic cell phone updates. Reach out to (717) 844-9116 today to design your system.