How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Lawrence home

Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll let you know if suspicious activity is transpiring at your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Lawrence homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of household motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They track fluctuations in infrared radiation in their field of view and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by: 

• Pets climbing on couches or countertops
• Bright sunlight streaming through a window
• Various heat sources, such as ducts and fireplaces
• Sudden temperature or humidity changes, which cause components to be overly sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses motion by continually broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement due to changes in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated movement, like curtains swaying when an HVAC fan kicks on, can initiate an alarm.

Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Lawrence home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be particularly troublesome as they can lower your sensitivity to real dangers. Moreover, recurring false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may affect future response times. Thankfully, you can help prevent them by implementing these recommendations:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your sensors and adjust to your animal’s size and behavior.
• Avoid directing them at high-traffic areas like food dispensers, even when using pet-sensitive sensors.
• Avoid aiming motion detectors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
• Make certain rooms are adequately insulated to help prevent temperature shifts.
• Periodically dust and wipe off components to ensure proper function.
• Check batteries and swap out as needed. Certain devices will even inform you when batteries are running out.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.

You could also choose dual-technology devices that use both passive and active sensors to sense motion, providing greater accuracy.

How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Lawrence smart home?

Installing motion sensors in an automated smart home is a fantastic way to enhance your convenience and safety. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Obtain instant updates on your mobile device when motion is found. You might also utilize them to update you when your children arrive home from school.
• Program indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
• Alter lighting or temperature settings in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help lower utility costs.

Top-tier smart home devices, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect real threats and minimize false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Lawrence from Vivint when you design your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to initiate a variety of automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant cell phone updates. Reach out to (785) 829-4689 today to design your system.