How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Ogden home

Motion sensors are crucial components in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is moving through your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Ogden homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They track changes in infrared radiation within their field of view and can recognize when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets jumping on tabletops or couches
• Bright sunlight streaming through a window
• Various heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic temperature or humidity changes, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that senses movement by continuously sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement through alterations in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Ogden home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly troublesome as they can numb you to genuine threats. Moreover, frequent false alarms may become a frustration for first responders and may impact ensuing response times. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by implementing these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your equipment and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
• Avoid pointing them at high-activity areas like feeding stations, even when you have pet-friendly sensors.
• Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
• Ensure spaces are properly insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe down equipment periodically to keep sensors clear.
• Inspect batteries and change as needed. Some motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure correct placement.

You could also invest in dual-technology devices that use both passive and active sensors to detect movement, resulting in improved accuracy.

How should you utilize motion sensors in your Ogden smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a fantastic way to improve your convenience and security. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Receive immediate updates on your cell phone whenever movement is spotted. You might utilize them to update you when your little ones arrive home from school.
• Have cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
• Alter temperature levels or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb energy expenses.

Top smart home devices, like those installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Ogden from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are animal-sensitive and allow you to initiate numerous automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and automatic smartphone alerts. Call (385) 900-2979 today to learn more.