How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Bowling Green home

Motion sensors are critical aspects in a full-featured home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Bowling Green homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, review our tips on reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of household motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation in their field of view and can recognize when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by: 

• Pets leaping on sofas or counters
• Bright sunlight coming through a window
• A variety of heat sources, such as air ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic humidity or temperature changes, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that detects activity by continually sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they recognize movement via changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can initiate an alarm.

Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Bowling Green home

Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly troublesome as they can numb you to genuine risks. Furthermore, repeated false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may affect response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by implementing these suggestions:

• Check the sensitivity parameters of your devices and change to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
• Even when using pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at high-activity areas like food bowls.
• Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
• Make sure spaces are sufficiently insulated to help prevent temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off devices frequently to ensure proper function.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Many motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.

You may also choose hybrid devices that utilize both active and passive sensors to identify motion, leading to greater accuracy.

How should you use motion sensors in your Bowling Green smart home?

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

• Receive instant notifications on your cell phone when motion is detected. You could also program them to alert you when your children come home from school.
• Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
• Alter lighting or temperature levels in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This feature can help reduce energy bills.

Leading smart home motion detectors, like the ones installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect threats and decrease false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Bowling Green from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and permit you to configure various automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate smartphone notifications. Contact (270) 514-2292 today to learn more.