How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Arlington home

Motion sensors are critical aspects in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is sneaking around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing Arlington homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

Most residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by: 

• Pets jumping on countertops or sofas
• Intense sunlight coming through a window
• A variety of heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
• Rapid temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that senses movement by constantly sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement through changes in the reflected signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.

Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Arlington home

In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly problematic as they may desensitize you to actual risks. Moreover, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by following these tips:

• Inspect the sensitivity levels of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
• Avoid aiming them at high-activity places like feeding stations, even if you have pet-sensitive sensors.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
• Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to help prevent temperature changes.
• Frequently dust and wipe down equipment to keep sensors clear.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure correct positioning.

You may also opt for hybrid devices that use both passive and active means to sense motion, leading to a higher degree of accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Arlington smart home?

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

• Get instant notifications on your smartphone any time motion is detected. You could also utilize them to notify you when your children come home from school.
• Program indoor cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
• Change lighting or temperature levels according to whether people are home. This feature can help lower utility bills.

Leading smart home devices, like those installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately identify actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Arlington from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and let you initiate various home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and immediate smartphone notifications. Contact (703) 791-1576 today to learn more.