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How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Jonesboro home

April 30, 2025
Modern motion sensors installed within a home

Motion sensors are critical aspects in a multi-layered home security installation, as they’ll alert you whenever an unwanted guest is prowling around your house. Regrettably, they’re also vulnerable to false alarms, causing annoyance and a bad night’s sleep for Jonesboro homeowners. If you’re searching for solutions, review our suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

Most home motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify movement. They sense shifts in infrared radiation inside their field of view and can tell when someone is in motion by their heat signature. False alarms are frequently caused by: 

  • Pets leaping on sofas or tabletops
  • Streams of bright sunlight through a window
  • Different heat sources, like fireplaces and air ducts
  • Rapid humidity or temperature shifts, which cause components to be too sensitive or non-reactive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional frequently used option that detects movement by constantly sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion sensors recognize movement via changes in the reflected signal. Any unforseen activity, like curtains swaying when your HVAC fan kicks on, can set off an alarm.

Suggestions for reducing motion sensor false alarms at your Jonesboro home

Aside from interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be increasingly problematic as they may desensitize you to actual risks. Furthermore, recurring false alarms can become an annoyance for first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Luckily, you can help avoid them by adhering to these recommendations:

  • Check the sensitivity settings of your equipment and modify to your animal’s behavior and size.
  • Avoid aiming them at busy places like food bowls, even when you have pet-friendly sensors.
  • Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows exposed to bright sunlight.
  • Ensure spaces are properly insulated to prevent drastic temperature shifts.
  • Frequently dust and wipe down devices to keep sensors clear.
  • Monitor batteries and replace as needed. Many motion sensors will even inform you when batteries are low.
  • Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.

You might also choose dual-technology devices that employ both active and passive sensors to detect activity, resulting in improved accuracy.

How to utilize motion sensors in your Jonesboro smart home?

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

  • Receive immediate notifications on your cell phone when activity is found. You might also program them to notify you when your children arrive home from school.
  • Program interior cameras to record any time a motion sensor triggers.
  • Adjust temperature settings or lighting according to whether people are home. This capability can help lower energy costs.

Top-tier smart home devices, like the ones from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to more accurately detect actual threats and minimize false alarms.

Build your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Jonesboro from Vivint when you plan your fully functional smart home. Our tools are pet-sensitive and permit you to configure various automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and instant cell phone alerts. Call (870) 568-4128 today to design your system.