How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Hagerstown home

Motion sensors are crucial components in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is moving through your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing annoyance and lost sleep for Hagerstown homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

Most household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They track changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by: 

• Pets jumping on sofas or tabletops
• Intense sunlight shining through a window
• Various heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
• Sudden temperature or humidity shifts, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that senses motion by constantly broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement through alterations in the returning signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Hagerstown home

Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they might desensitize you to genuine dangers. Moreover, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for emergency providers and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by implementing these recommendations:

• Inspect the sensitivity settings of your equipment and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at busy places like food bowls.
• Avoid directing motion sensors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
• Make sure rooms are sufficiently insulated to help prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
• Dust and clean components regularly to keep sensors working properly.
• Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure proper placement.

You may also opt for multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive sensors to sense activity, leading to a higher degree of accuracy.

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

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

• Obtain instant updates on your mobile device any time motion is spotted. You might also use them to notify you when your little ones get home from school.
• Configure indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
• Adjust temperature settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy expenses.

Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the models from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Hagerstown from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-sensitive and permit you to program a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant cell phone alerts. Reach out to (301) 923-4840 today to get started.