How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Detroit home

Motion sensors are crucial elements in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll let you know if an unwelcome guest is sneaking around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing annoyance and lost sleep for Detroit homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, check out our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation within their field of view and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by: 

• Pets leaping on countertops or sofas
• Bursts of direct light through a window
• Different heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that discovers activity by continually emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they spot movement due to changes in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Detroit home

Aside from interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more problematic as they can desensitize you to real threats. Additionally, repeated false alarms may become a nuisance to first responders and may affect future response times. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by implementing these suggestions:

• Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and adjust to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Even if you have animal-friendly motion sensors, it’s smart not to direct them at busy spots like food dispensers.
• Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
• Make sure spaces are adequately insulated to minimize extreme temperature shifts.
• Regularly dust and clean equipment to keep sensors clear.
• Inspect batteries and swap out as needed. Some motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal positioning.

You could also opt for multi-function devices that employ both active and passive means to identify activity, providing improved accuracy.

How to incorporate motion sensors into your Detroit smart home?

Integrating motion sensors into a modern smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your convenience and safety. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Obtain instant notifications on your smartphone when activity is detected. You might program them to alert you when your little ones come home from school.
• Have interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
• Alter thermostat settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This functionality can help lower energy bills.

Leading smart home motion detectors, like the models from Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better recognize real threats and reduce false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Detroit from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and immediate smartphone notifications. Contact (313) 766-2527 today to get started.