How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Fargo home

Motion sensors are critical components in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll alert you whenever suspicious activity is going on at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Fargo homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, review our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

Most residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their detection zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently initiated by: 

• Pets leaping on sofas or counters
• Direct sunlight coming through a window
• A variety of heat sources, such as air ducts and fireplaces
• Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by continually broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors spot movement due to alterations in the reflected signal. Any unanticipated motion, like curtains moving when your HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Fargo home

In addition to interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they might lower your sensitivity to actual risks. Additionally, repeated false alarms can become a nuisance to first responders and may influence response times in the future. Luckily, you can help avoid them by implementing these tips:

• Inspect the sensitivity levels of your sensors and adjust to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
• Avoid directing them at high-activity spots like feeding stations, even when you have pet-sensitive detectors.
• Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
• Make sure rooms are sufficiently insulated to minimize drastic temperature changes.
• Dust and wipe down equipment frequently to ensure proper function.
• Check batteries and replace as needed. Some motion sensors will even tell you when batteries are running out.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure correct placement.

You might also invest in hybrid devices that employ both active and passive sensors to detect activity, providing improved accuracy.

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

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

• Receive immediate updates on your cell phone whenever movement is detected. You could also utilize them to alert you when your little ones come home from school.
• Have indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor is tripped.
• Adjust thermostat settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce utility bills.

Leading smart home devices, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Fargo from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our tools are pet-sensitive and let you initiate various home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and instant mobile alerts. Reach out to (701) 699-4489 today to learn more.