How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Dallas home

Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll let you know if unexpected activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing frustration and a bad night’s sleep for Dallas homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our recommendations for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The majority of household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They track changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by: 

• Pets climbing on couches or tabletops
• Flashes of intense light through a window
• A variety of heat sources, like fireplaces and ducts
• Sudden humidity or temperature shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects motion by continuously sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Called active motion sensors, they spot movement through modifications in the returning signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.

Ideas for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Dallas home

In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they may desensitize you to real threats. Moreover, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may impact future response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these tips:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
• Even when using pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to direct them at high-activity areas like feeding stations.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
• Make certain spaces are properly insulated to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
• Frequently dust and clean components to ensure proper function.
• Inspect batteries and change as needed. Some motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal positioning.

You might also opt for hybrid devices that utilize both active and passive tools to detect activity, resulting in improved accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Dallas smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a excellent way to enhance your safety and convenience. You’ll have the ability to do the following:

• Get immediate updates on your mobile device any time movement is spotted. You could also program them to update you when your kids arrive home from school.
• Program cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
• Change temperature levels or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce utility bills.

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

Create your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Dallas from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to configure a variety of automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and automatic cell phone notifications. Contact (469) 812-8953 today to design your system.