How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Madison home

Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Madison homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out 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 sense shifts in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can determine when something is moving by its heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

• Pets jumping on tabletops or couches
• Streams of bright daylight through a window
• Different heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that senses movement by continually sending out and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors recognize movement through changes in the returning signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains moving when the HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Madison home

In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they might lower your sensitivity to actual dangers. Moreover, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for emergency providers and may influence response times in the future. Fortunately, you can help prevent them by following these suggestions:

• Inspect the sensitivity levels of your devices and modify to your pet’s behavior and size.
• Avoid pointing them at high-traffic spots like food dispensers, even when you have animal-friendly sensors.
• Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
• Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to prevent extreme temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off equipment regularly to keep sensors clear.
• Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Some motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure proper placement.

You may also invest in hybrid devices that use both passive and active means to identify movement, providing a higher degree of accuracy.

How can you utilize motion sensors in your Madison smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into an automated smart home is a fantastic way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Obtain automatic notifications on your cell phone any time movement is spotted. You could also utilize them to alert you when your little ones get home from school.
• Configure interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
• Adjust temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This functionality can help reduce utility bills.

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

Build your Vivint smart home with advanced motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Madison from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and let you configure various home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and instant mobile notifications. Reach out to (608) 470-6808 today to get started.