How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Chico home
Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll let you know if dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing irritation and a bad night’s sleep for Chico homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, review our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What initiates motion detector false alarms?
The bulk of household motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They track shifts in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can recognize when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets leaping on furniture or countertops
- Streams of direct daylight through a window
- Various heat sources, like vents and fireplaces
- Drastic humidity or temperature changes, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by continually broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement via changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Chico home
Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more problematic as they might numb you to real threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms may become a frustration for local law enforcement and may influence future response times. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by following these tips:
- Investigate the sensitivity settings of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
- Even when you have pet-sensitive motion sensors, it’s smart not to aim them at high-activity places like feeding stations.
- Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
- Ensure spaces are sufficiently insulated to prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
- Frequently dust and wipe down equipment to keep sensors clear.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are running out.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper positioning.
You could also choose hybrid devices that use both active and passive sensors to sense movement, leading to greater accuracy.
How should you use motion sensors in your Chico smart home?
Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a terrific way to boost your security and convenience. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Receive immediate alerts on your cell phone whenever activity is detected. You might program them to notify you when your children get home from school.
- Program cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Change lighting or temperature levels based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help curb utility costs.
Leading smart home motion sensors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize threats and minimize false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Chico from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and let you program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and automatic mobile alerts. Contact (530) 460-6338 today to design your system.