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How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Green Bay home

April 30, 2025
Modern motion sensors attached to walls in a home

Motion sensors are essential elements in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll let you know if suspicious activity is transpiring at your house. Sadly, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing Green Bay homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can recognize when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently initiated by: 

  • Pets climbing on tabletops or sofas
  • Intense sunlight coming through a window
  • Different heat sources, like ducts and fireplaces
  • Sudden humidity or temperature fluctuations, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-functional

Microwave motion sensors are another frequently used option that detects motion by continually broadcasting and assessing electromagnetic waves. Referred to as active motion detectors, they recognize movement through alterations in the returning signal. Any unforseen movement, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can initiate an alarm.

Ideas for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Green Bay home

In addition to a lack of sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly troublesome as they may desensitize you to genuine dangers. Additionally, frequent false alarms can become a frustration for emergency providers and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help prevent them by implementing these recommendations:

  • Inspect the sensitivity parameters of your sensors and change to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
  • Avoid aiming them at high-activity spots like food dispensers, even when using pet-friendly detectors.
  • Avoid directing motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
  • Ensure rooms are adequately insulated to prevent drastic temperature shifts.
  • Regularly dust and wipe off devices to keep sensors clear.
  • Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Certain devices will even let you know when batteries are low.
  • Get them installed professionally to ensure optimal positioning.

You could also opt for dual-technology devices that utilize both passive and active tools to detect activity, leading to greater accuracy.

How can you utilize motion sensors in your Green Bay smart home?

Incorporating motion sensor into a new smart home is a fantastic way to improve your security and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

  • Get immediate alerts on your cell phone any time movement is detected. You could also utilize them to notify you when your little ones come home from school.
  • Program cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
  • Change lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help lower energy expenses.

Leading smart home devices, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better recognize threats and decrease false alarms.

Create your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Green Bay from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our devices are pet-sensitive and let you initiate a variety of home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and immediate smartphone notifications. Call (920) 663-3617 today to get started.