How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Austin home

Motion sensors are crucial components in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever unexpected activity is transpiring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Austin homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, review our tips on reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

Most residential motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They track changes in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by: 

• Pets climbing on counters or furniture
• Direct sunlight streaming through a window
• Various heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
• Sudden temperature or humidity shifts, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that detects movement by continuously broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they recognize movement via changes in the returning signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Austin home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more problematic as they may desensitize you to genuine threats. Furthermore, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for emergency providers and may influence response times in the future. Luckily, you can help avoid them by adhering to these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity settings of your devices and adjust to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
• Even if you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s advisable not to point them at high-traffic places like food bowls.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
• Ensure rooms are properly insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Dust and wipe off devices periodically to keep sensors working properly.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Certain motion detectors will even inform you when batteries are low.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal placement.

You could also opt for dual-technology devices that employ both passive and active tools to detect activity, leading to greater accuracy.

How should you utilize motion sensors in your Austin smart home?

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

• Get instant updates on your cell phone any time motion is detected. You might use them to alert you when your children arrive home from school.
• Program cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
• Change temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce utility costs.

Top-tier smart home devices, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively identify actual threats and decrease false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Austin from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and permit you to program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant cell phone notifications. Contact (512) 229-9684 today to get started.