How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Rochester home

Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a multi-layered home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Rochester homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, review our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The majority of household motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They track changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by: 

• Pets jumping on furniture or counters
• Flashes of bright sunlight through a window
• A variety of heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
• Drastic temperature or humidity changes, which cause devices to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that discovers movement by continually emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors spot movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.

Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Rochester home

Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they may lower your sensitivity to actual threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms can become a frustration for local law enforcement and may impact response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help circumvent them by following these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity settings of your equipment and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Even when using pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to direct them at high-activity spots like food dispensers.
• Avoid pointing motion detectors at windows that receive intense sunlight.
• Make sure rooms are properly insulated to help prevent drastic temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe down components regularly to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and swap out as needed. Certain motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are running out.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.

You might also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both active and passive sensors to sense activity, resulting in improved accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Rochester smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into a modern smart home is a terrific way to boost your safety and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Receive immediate notifications on your smartphone whenever motion is found. You could also utilize them to update you when your kids get home from school.
• Have cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Adjust thermostat settings or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help lower utility expenses.

Top smart home motion detectors, like the ones installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify threats and decrease false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Rochester from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to program a variety of automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and automatic cell phone alerts. Call (507) 710-3863 today to get started.