How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Kansas City home

Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll tell you if an uninvited guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Kansas City homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, check out our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on tabletops or sofas
• Bursts of intense daylight through a window
• Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents
• Sudden humidity or temperature changes, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that senses motion by continuously broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement via changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains shifting when the HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Tips for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Kansas City home

Aside from losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they can lower your sensitivity to actual threats. Moreover, repeated false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these suggestions:

• Check the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Even when using pet-sensitive motion sensors, it’s smart not to direct them at high-activity spots like feeding stations.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
• Make sure spaces are sufficiently insulated to prevent temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off equipment frequently to keep sensors clear.
• Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Certain motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are getting low.
• Let a pro do the installation to ensure correct positioning.

You could also invest in multi-function devices that utilize both passive and active means to sense activity, leading to improved accuracy.

How can you use motion sensors in your Kansas City smart home?

Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a fantastic way to boost your security and convenience. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Get automatic updates on your cell phone any time movement is detected. You might also utilize them to notify you when your kids get home from school.
• Program interior cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Change lighting or temperature levels in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help lower energy costs.

Leading smart home devices, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize real threats and minimize false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Kansas City from Vivint when you customize your fully functional smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and permit you to initiate various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant cell phone alerts. Reach out to (816) 357-9576 today to learn more.