How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Columbus home

Motion sensors are critical components in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Columbus homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of home motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They track fluctuations in infrared radiation within their coverage zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by: 

• Pets jumping on tabletops or furniture
• Streams of intense daylight through a window
• Different heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses movement by continually sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they spot movement via changes in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Columbus home

Beyond losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they may numb you to real dangers. Additionally, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for emergency providers and may impact ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by following these suggestions:

• Check the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and modify to your pet’s size and behavior.
• Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s advisable not to direct them at high-activity places like food dispensers.
• Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
• Ensure spaces are adequately insulated to prevent temperature fluctuations.
• Regularly dust and wipe off equipment to keep sensors clear.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Many motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure proper placement.

You may also invest in multi-function devices that employ both passive and active means to identify movement, leading to improved accuracy.

How should you use motion sensors in your Columbus smart home?

Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a terrific way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Obtain immediate alerts on your mobile device when movement is found. You might use them to update you when your kids arrive home from school.
• Program cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
• Adjust lighting or temperature settings according to whether people are home. This functionality can help lower energy bills.

Leading smart home motion sensors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify real threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Columbus from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and permit you to configure a variety of automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and automatic cell phone notifications. Reach out to (614) 820-1364 today to get started.