How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your San Francisco home

Motion sensors are critical aspects in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll let you know if an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Regrettably, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing San Francisco homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, explore our tips on cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What causes motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of residential motion detectors employ passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They sense shifts in infrared radiation in their detection zone and can determine when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are typically triggered by: 

• Pets leaping on furniture or counters
• Flashes of bright light through a window
• A variety of heat sources, such as vents and fireplaces
• Drastic temperature or humidity changes, which cause components to be overly sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that discovers motion by constantly emitting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors pinpoint movement due to alterations in the returning signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan starts up, can trigger an alarm.

Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your San Francisco home

Aside from interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more troublesome as they can desensitize you to real threats. Furthermore, frequent false alarms might become an annoyance for local law enforcement and may influence ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by adhering to these tips:

• Investigate the sensitivity levels of your sensors and change to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
• Even when using animal-friendly motion detectors, it’s wise not to aim them at high-traffic spots like feeding stations.
• Avoid directing motion detectors at windows that receive heavy sunlight.
• Make certain rooms are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature changes.
• Regularly dust and wipe down equipment to keep sensors working properly.
• Monitor batteries and swap out as needed. Many motion detectors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
• Consider a professional installation to ensure optimal positioning.

You may also choose dual-technology devices that employ both passive and active means to identify motion, providing a higher degree of accuracy.

How to utilize motion sensors in your San Francisco smart home?

Installing motion sensors in a new smart home is a excellent way to improve your convenience and security. You’ll have the ability to do the following:

• Obtain immediate updates on your smartphone when motion is detected. You might use them to alert you when your children arrive home from school.
• Program cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor triggers.
• Adjust temperature settings or lighting in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy costs.

Top smart home devices, like those offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to better identify real threats and decrease false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in San Francisco from Vivint when you design your comprehensive smart home. Our tools are pet-friendly and allow you to initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate cell phone updates. Reach out to (415) 969-9484 today to get started.