How to cut down on motion sensor false alarms in your Reno home

Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an uninvited guest is sneaking around your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Reno homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

The majority of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor changes in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often caused by: 

• Pets jumping on couches or countertops
• Bursts of intense daylight through a window
• Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
• Drastic temperature or humidity shifts, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that senses motion by constantly emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement via changes in the returning signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan starts up, can initiate an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Reno home

In addition to losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are particularly disruptive as they might desensitize you to genuine threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms may become an annoyance for first responders and may influence response times in the future. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by implementing these tips:

• Investigate the sensitivity levels of your sensors and modify to your pet’s size and behavior.
• Even if you have pet-friendly motion sensors, it’s wise not to point them at busy places like food bowls.
• Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows that receive bright sunlight.
• Make sure areas are properly insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off devices frequently to keep sensors working properly.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Many motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are getting low.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal placement.

You could also invest in hybrid devices that employ both active and passive tools to detect activity, providing a higher degree of accuracy.

How can you use motion sensors in your Reno smart home?

Integrating motion sensors into an automated smart home is a excellent way to enhance your convenience and safety. You’ll be able to do the following:

• Receive instant alerts on your mobile device whenever movement is spotted. You could also utilize them to update you when your kids arrive home from school.
• Configure cameras to record when a motion sensor is tripped.
• Change temperature levels or lighting according to whether people are home. This functionality can help lower energy expenses.

Top-tier smart home motion sensors, like the ones installed by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect real threats and decrease false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the best motion sensors in Reno from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and let you configure numerous home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and automatic smartphone updates. Contact (775) 259-9515 today to learn more.