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

Motion sensors are critical components in a full-featured home security plan, as they’ll tell you if dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Boise homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, check out our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of household motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They monitor shifts in infrared radiation within their coverage zone and can recognize when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are typically initiated by: 

• Pets climbing on sofas or counters
• Flashes of bright daylight through a window
• Different heat sources, like air ducts and fireplaces
• Sudden temperature or humidity shifts, which cause devices to be too sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are another common option that detects activity by continually broadcasting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement via modifications in the returning signal. Any unexpected motion, like curtains moving when an HVAC fan turns on, can set off an alarm.

Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Boise home

Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more disruptive as they can lower your sensitivity to real dangers. Moreover, recurring false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by following these tips:

• Check the sensitivity settings of your equipment and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
• Avoid pointing them at high-traffic spots like food bowls, even when using animal-friendly sensors.
• Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows exposed to heavy sunlight.
• Make certain areas are sufficiently insulated to prevent drastic temperature fluctuations.
• Dust and clean components frequently to keep sensors working properly.
• Check batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure correct positioning.

You might also invest in multi-function devices that utilize both active and passive tools to sense movement, leading to a higher degree of accuracy.

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

Integrating motion sensors into a new smart home is a excellent way to boost your convenience and security. You’ll have the opportunity to do the following:

• Receive immediate updates on your smartphone any time activity is spotted. You might also utilize them to notify you when your little ones get home from school.
• Configure interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
• Alter lighting or temperature settings based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy costs.

Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like the models installed by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize real threats and decrease false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Boise from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and let you program a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and immediate smartphone updates. Contact (208) 306-4107 today to get started.