How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Colorado Springs home

Motion sensors are crucial elements in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if suspicious activity is going on at your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing annoyance and lost sleep for Colorado Springs homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, review our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They sense shifts in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often caused by: 

• Pets jumping on countertops or couches
• Bright sunlight streaming through a window
• Various heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents
• Drastic humidity or temperature shifts, which cause equipment to be overly sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are another common option that senses movement by continually emitting and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors recognize movement due to changes in the returning signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.

Ideas for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Colorado Springs home

Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly problematic as they might lower your sensitivity to genuine risks. Additionally, frequent false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may influence ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by adhering to these recommendations:

• Inspect the sensitivity settings of your sensors and change to your animal’s size and behavior.
• Avoid directing them at busy spots like food bowls, even when using pet-friendly sensors.
• Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
• Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to prevent temperature shifts.
• Dust and wipe off devices frequently to ensure proper function.
• Monitor batteries and change as needed. Some motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are getting low.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal placement.

You might also opt for hybrid devices that use both passive and active tools to identify motion, providing greater accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Colorado Springs smart home?

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

• Receive instant alerts on your cell phone whenever movement is found. You could also use them to notify you when your children get home from school.
• Program cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
• Alter temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help curb utility bills.

Top smart home motion detectors, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately recognize real threats and minimize false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Colorado Springs from Vivint when you design your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are animal-sensitive and let you program various home automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery life and instant mobile updates. Reach out to (719) 666-9853 today to get started.