How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Myrtle Beach home
Motion sensors are essential elements in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if an unwanted guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Myrtle Beach homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, review our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.
What triggers motion detector false alarms?
Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They track fluctuations in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by:
- Pets climbing on couches or countertops
- Bursts of bright light through a window
- A variety of heat sources, such as ducts and fireplaces
- Rapid humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause devices to be hypersensitive or non-functional
Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects movement by continuously broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they recognize movement via alterations in the returning signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan kicks on, can initiate an alarm.
Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Myrtle Beach home
In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more troublesome as they may desensitize you to actual threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms can become a frustration for emergency providers and may affect future response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these recommendations:
- Inspect the sensitivity settings of your equipment and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
- Avoid aiming them at busy areas like food bowls, even if you have pet-sensitive sensors.
- Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
- Make certain rooms are adequately insulated to help prevent temperature shifts.
- Periodically dust and clean equipment to keep sensors clear.
- Check batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
- Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal placement.
You may also opt for hybrid devices that use both passive and active means to identify motion, providing a higher degree of accuracy.
How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Myrtle Beach smart home?
Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a excellent way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:
- Receive immediate updates on your cell phone when activity is found. You might program them to notify you when your little ones get home from school.
- Have interior cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
- Change thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help curb utility bills.
Top smart home devices, like the ones from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify real threats and decrease false alarms.
Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors
Get the top motion sensors in Myrtle Beach from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to configure a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and automatic smartphone notifications. Reach out to (843) 483-5033 today to get started.