How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Akron home

Motion sensors are critical components in a multi-layered home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Akron homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our recommendations for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on furniture or counters
• Direct sunlight shining through a window
• Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
• Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects activity by constantly emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors spot movement through modifications in the reflected signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Akron home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they might numb you to real threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may affect response times in the future. Luckily, you can help avoid them by adhering to these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your sensors and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-traffic spots like feeding stations.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
• Ensure areas are properly insulated to prevent drastic temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off components frequently to keep sensors clear.
• Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Many devices will even tell you when batteries are low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal placement.

You may also choose multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive tools to sense motion, providing a higher degree of accuracy.

How can you use motion sensors in your Akron smart home?

Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your convenience and security. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Receive instant updates on your mobile device any time activity is spotted. You might utilize them to notify you when your children come home from school.
• Configure indoor cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Change lighting or thermostat settings according to whether people are home. This capability can help reduce energy expenses.

Top smart home motion sensors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively identify threats and minimize false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Akron from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and permit you to program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and automatic cell phone updates. Call (330) 632-1171 today to design your system.