How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Binghamton home
Motion sensors are critical aspects in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing frustration and a bad night’s sleep for Binghamton homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They track changes in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can recognize when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by:
- Pets jumping on furniture or countertops
- Intense sunlight streaming through a window
- Different heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that detects motion by continuously emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion detectors, they pinpoint movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Binghamton home
Beyond losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they might desensitize you to real risks. Furthermore, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may affect response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by adhering to these tips:
- Investigate the sensitivity settings of your devices and change to your animal’s behavior and size.
- Avoid directing them at busy spots like food bowls, even when using pet-sensitive sensors.
- Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows that receive bright sunlight.
- Make certain areas are properly insulated to prevent temperature changes.
- Dust and wipe off equipment regularly to ensure proper function.
- Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Certain motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.
You could also choose multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive means to identify movement, providing improved accuracy.
How to utilize motion sensors in your Binghamton smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a excellent way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Receive instant notifications on your cell phone when movement is spotted. You could also use them to notify you when your kids arrive home from school.
- Have interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
- Alter thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This feature can help curb energy expenses.
Leading smart home devices, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize real threats and reduce false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Binghamton from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to program a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and instant cell phone notifications. Contact (607) 600-9610 today to learn more.