How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Fort Myers home
Motion sensors are essential components in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwelcome guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Fort Myers homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
Most household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation in their field of view and can recognize when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by:
- Pets climbing on countertops or couches
- Streams of bright sunlight through a window
- Different heat sources, like fireplaces and vents
- Drastic humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or unresponsive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that discovers motion by continually sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.
Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Fort Myers home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they might lower your sensitivity to real dangers. Moreover, frequent false alarms might become a nuisance to local law enforcement and may affect future response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by implementing these recommendations:
- Check the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Avoid directing them at busy spots like feeding stations, even when you have pet-sensitive detectors.
- Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
- Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to minimize drastic temperature shifts.
- Frequently dust and wipe off components to keep sensors clear.
- Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Some devices will even let you know when batteries are low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure correct placement.
You may also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both active and passive sensors to identify motion, resulting in a higher degree of accuracy.
How to incorporate motion sensors into your Fort Myers smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a terrific way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Get immediate alerts on your cell phone whenever activity is found. You might program them to alert you when your kids get home from school.
- Program indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
- Adjust temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This capability can help reduce energy bills.
Top smart home motion detectors, like those installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect real threats and reduce false alarms.
Design your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Fort Myers from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to program various automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and instant smartphone alerts. Reach out to (239) 326-6141 today to design your system.