How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Oklahoma City home

Motion sensors are critical aspects in a comprehensive home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever suspicious activity is occurring at your house. Unfortunately, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing irritation and a bad night’s sleep for Oklahoma City homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, review our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of household motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They monitor fluctuations in infrared radiation in their coverage zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently triggered by: 

• Pets jumping on counters or furniture
• Streams of intense sunlight through a window
• Different heat sources, like fireplaces and ducts
• Drastic humidity or temperature changes, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that detects motion by constantly emitting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion sensors, they recognize movement due to alterations in the reflected signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.

Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Oklahoma City home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more disruptive as they might numb you to real dangers. Additionally, recurring false alarms might become a nuisance to emergency providers and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by following these recommendations:

• Investigate the sensitivity settings of your sensors and modify to your animal’s size and behavior.
• Even when you have pet-sensitive motion detectors, it’s wise not to point them at high-activity spots like food dispensers.
• Avoid pointing motion sensors at windows receiving heavy sunlight.
• Make certain areas are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature shifts.
• Frequently dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
• Check batteries and swap out as needed. Many motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
• Get them installed professionally to ensure correct positioning.

You may also invest in dual-technology devices that use both passive and active tools to sense motion, providing greater accuracy.

How should you incorporate motion sensors into your Oklahoma City smart home?

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

• Obtain instant updates on your smartphone when motion is detected. You might also utilize them to notify you when your little ones come home from school.
• Program indoor cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
• Adjust lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This capability can help reduce energy costs.

Leading smart home motion sensors, like those from Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively recognize threats and reduce false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Oklahoma City from Vivint when you customize your fully functional smart home. Our devices are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate numerous automation actions. You’ll also enjoy a five-year battery and instant mobile updates. Call (405) 777-7501 today to learn more.