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How to minimize motion sensor false alarms in your Chandler home

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

Motion sensors are essential aspects in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll let you know if dubious activity is going on at your house. Regrettably, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing irritation and lost sleep for Chandler homeowners. If you’re looking for solutions, explore our suggestions for cutting down on motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

The bulk of home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to identify activity. They sense changes in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can determine when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

  • Pets leaping on countertops or sofas
  • Bright sunlight shining through a window
  • Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and ducts
  • Drastic temperature or humidity fluctuations, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that discovers movement by constantly sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. These active motion detectors pinpoint movement via changes in the returning signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan starts up, can set off an alarm.

Tips for decreasing motion sensor false alarms at your Chandler home

Beyond losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are increasingly disruptive as they might desensitize you to real dangers. Moreover, repeated false alarms might become a nuisance to local law enforcement and may influence future response times. Luckily, you can help avoid them by adhering to these suggestions:

  • Investigate the sensitivity levels of your equipment and adjust to your furry friend’s behavior and size.
  • Avoid pointing them at busy areas like food bowls, even if you have pet-sensitive detectors.
  • Avoid directing motion sensors at windows exposed to intense sunlight.
  • Ensure areas are sufficiently insulated to help prevent temperature fluctuations.
  • Dust and clean components periodically to ensure proper function.
  • Inspect batteries and replace as needed. Many motion detectors will even tell you when batteries are running out.
  • Let a pro do the installation to ensure proper placement.

You may also invest in multi-function devices that use both active and passive means to detect movement, resulting in greater accuracy.

How can you utilize motion sensors in your Chandler smart home?

Installing motion sensors in a modern smart home is a excellent way to boost your safety and convenience. You’ll be able to do the following:

  • Obtain immediate alerts on your mobile device when activity is spotted. You might also utilize them to alert you when your children come home from school.
  • Configure indoor cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
  • Alter lighting or temperature settings according to whether people are home. This capability can help curb utility bills.

Leading smart home motion detectors, like the ones from Vivint, continue to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to better detect actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with reliable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Chandler from Vivint when you plan your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-friendly and permit you to initiate numerous home automation actions. You’ll also benefit from the five-year battery and immediate smartphone alerts. Call (480) 739-3177 today to design your system.