How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Corpus Christi home

Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll let you know if an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing frustration and lost sleep for Corpus Christi homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation within their field of view and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by: 

• Pets jumping on counters or furniture
• Bursts of bright light through a window
• A variety of heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
• Sudden temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that senses activity by constantly sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors spot movement due to alterations in the returning signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Corpus Christi home

Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly problematic as they may numb you to actual threats. Furthermore, recurring false alarms might become a nuisance to local law enforcement and may impact ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by adhering to these suggestions:

• Investigate the sensitivity settings of your sensors and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have pet-sensitive motion sensors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-activity places like food dispensers.
• Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
• Ensure rooms are sufficiently insulated to prevent temperature changes.
• Frequently dust and clean devices to ensure proper function.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Certain motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal placement.

You may also invest in hybrid devices that utilize both active and passive means to sense motion, leading to improved accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Corpus Christi smart home?

Integrating motion sensors into an automated smart home is a excellent way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Receive automatic alerts on your cell phone any time motion is detected. You could also use them to update you when your children arrive home from school.
• Have cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Change lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy expenses.

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

Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Corpus Christi from Vivint when you plan your comprehensive smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and let you program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate smartphone notifications. Call (361) 733-2385 today to learn more.