How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Toledo home

Motion sensors are crucial components in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an uninvited guest is prowling around your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Toledo 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?

Most home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can determine when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on countertops or furniture
• Bright sunlight coming through a window
• Different heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
• Sudden humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects motion by continually broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement via alterations in the reflected signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Toledo home

Beyond a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly disruptive as they may desensitize you to actual threats. Furthermore, recurring false alarms can become a frustration for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by implementing these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your sensors and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s smart not to point them at busy spots like feeding stations.
• Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
• Make certain areas are sufficiently insulated to help prevent temperature shifts.
• Frequently dust and clean components to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and change as needed. Some devices will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal placement.

You might also opt for multi-function devices that use both passive and active sensors to identify activity, providing a higher degree of accuracy.

How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Toledo smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a excellent way to improve your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Get immediate notifications on your mobile device any time movement is found. You might use them to update you when your little ones get home from school.
• Program cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Alter thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help curb utility bills.

Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like those offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect real threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Toledo from Vivint when you plan your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and permit you to initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and automatic smartphone alerts. Call (419) 614-6278 today to get started.