How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Lafayette home
Motion sensors are crucial components in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing frustration and a bad night’s sleep for Lafayette homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.
What causes motion detector false alarms?
Most residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often caused by:
- Pets leaping on sofas or countertops
- Direct sunlight streaming through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
- Rapid humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive
Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses motion by continually emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they recognize movement due to alterations in the returning signal. Any unanticipated movement, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.
Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Lafayette home
Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly disruptive as they may numb you to real risks. Additionally, repeated false alarms can become a frustration for emergency providers and may affect future response times. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Investigate the sensitivity settings of your equipment and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at high-activity places like food dispensers, even if you have animal-friendly detectors.
- Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
- Make certain spaces are properly insulated to prevent extreme temperature shifts.
- Dust and clean devices frequently to ensure proper function.
- Check batteries and swap out as needed. Some devices will even let you know when batteries are getting low.
- Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal positioning.
You could also choose dual-technology devices that utilize both active and passive means to identify movement, providing improved accuracy.
How can you use motion sensors in your Lafayette smart home?
Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:
- Receive instant updates on your cell phone when motion is found. You might also program them to update you when your children get home from school.
- Have indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
- Adjust lighting or temperature settings in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce utility expenses.
Leading smart home devices, like those offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively identify threats and minimize false alarms.
Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors
Get leading motion sensors in Lafayette from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and let you program a variety of automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant smartphone notifications. Reach out to (337) 226-0040 today to learn more.