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

April 30, 2025
Modern motion sensors working inside a home

Motion sensors are crucial elements in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll alert you whenever dubious activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Montgomery homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re trying to find solutions, explore our suggestions for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to find movement. They track shifts in infrared radiation within their detection zone and can tell when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are typically caused by: 

  • Pets leaping on countertops or couches
  • Bursts of intense daylight through a window
  • Various heat sources, such as vents and fireplaces
  • Rapid temperature or humidity changes, which cause equipment to be too sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional common option that discovers movement by continuously sending out and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion detectors, they spot movement through changes in the returning signal. Any unexpected activity, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan starts up, can initiate an alarm.

Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Montgomery home

Aside from a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly troublesome as they might numb you to real dangers. Additionally, repeated false alarms can become a frustration for emergency providers and may influence ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help avoid them by adhering to these recommendations:

  • Check the sensitivity settings of your sensors and change to your pet’s size and behavior.
  • Even if you have pet-friendly motion detectors, it’s advisable not to point them at busy spots like food bowls.
  • Avoid directing motion detectors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
  • Make sure rooms are properly insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.
  • Dust and wipe off devices periodically to keep sensors clear.
  • Check batteries and swap out as needed. Many motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are running out.
  • Let a pro do the installation to ensure optimal positioning.

You may also opt for dual-technology devices that use both active and passive sensors to detect movement, leading to greater accuracy.

How to use motion sensors in your Montgomery smart home?

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

  • Obtain instant alerts on your cell phone any time movement is detected. You could also utilize them to notify you when your little ones arrive home from school.
  • Have cameras to record any time a motion sensor trips.
  • Change lighting or temperature settings in accordance with your home’s occupancy. This capability can help curb utility costs.

Top-tier smart home motion detectors, like the ones 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 advanced motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Montgomery from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and permit you to program various home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery life and immediate smartphone notifications. Contact (334) 378-2456 today to design your system.