How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Roanoke home

Motion sensors are crucial elements in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Roanoke homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, review our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

The majority of residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by: 

• Pets climbing on tabletops or furniture
• Bright sunlight shining through a window
• A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
• Sudden humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects movement by continuously sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Roanoke home

In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they can numb you to actual dangers. Additionally, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Thankfully, you can help prevent them by adhering to these suggestions:

• Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have animal-friendly motion detectors, it’s smart not to aim them at high-traffic spots like food dispensers.
• Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
• Make sure areas are properly insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Periodically dust and clean devices to keep sensors clear.
• Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are low.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.

You may also opt for multi-function devices that employ both passive and active means to identify motion, resulting in greater accuracy.

How can you utilize motion sensors in your Roanoke smart home?

Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Obtain immediate notifications on your cell phone any time activity is found. You could also program them to notify you when your little ones come home from school.
• Program cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
• Adjust temperature levels or lighting according to whether people are home. This functionality can help curb energy costs.

Top smart home motion detectors, like the ones from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify real threats and reduce false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Roanoke from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and permit you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and automatic smartphone updates. Call (540) 340-9398 today to get started.