How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Joplin home

Motion sensors are critical elements in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is sneaking around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Joplin homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, check out our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of household motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can tell when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are often triggered by: 

• Pets jumping on sofas or countertops
• Bright sunlight shining through a window
• Various heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
• Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that senses movement by continually sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion detectors, they recognize movement through changes in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated activity, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.

Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Joplin home

In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they can numb you to real threats. Moreover, frequent false alarms can become a frustration for local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by following these suggestions:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
• Even when using pet-friendly motion detectors, it’s smart not to aim them at high-activity places like food bowls.
• Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
• Make sure rooms are sufficiently insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Regularly dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and swap out as needed. Some devices will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.

You may also invest in dual-technology devices that use both passive and active sensors to sense activity, providing improved accuracy.

How to incorporate motion sensors into your Joplin smart home?

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

• Get automatic alerts on your mobile device when activity is spotted. You might utilize them to alert you when your little ones arrive home from school.
• Program cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
• Adjust thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This feature can help lower energy costs.

Leading smart home motion detectors, like those from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect real threats and decrease false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Joplin from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and permit you to program various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant smartphone notifications. Reach out to (417) 557-3490 today to learn more.