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

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

Motion sensors are essential components in a full-featured home security strategy, as they’ll tell you if an uninvited guest is moving through your house. Sadly, they’re also prone to false alarms, causing Milwaukee homeowners to lose sleep. If you’re searching for solutions, check out our recommendations for minimizing motion sensor false alarms.

What triggers motion detector false alarms?

Most home motion detectors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to find activity. They sense shifts in infrared radiation within their field of view and can tell when someone is moving by their heat signature. False alarms are often initiated by: 

  • Pets climbing on sofas or counters
  • Flashes of bright daylight through a window
  • Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
  • Rapid temperature or humidity changes, which cause devices to be too sensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are another widespread option that discovers activity by constantly sending out and evaluating electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they spot movement due to alterations in the returning signal. Any unexpected movement, like curtains shifting when an HVAC fan turns on, can trigger an alarm.

Suggestions for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Milwaukee home

Beyond interrupted sleep, motion sensor false alarms can be even more troublesome as they may numb you to real risks. Furthermore, recurring false alarms may become a nuisance to emergency providers and may affect future response times. Thankfully, you can help circumvent them by adhering to these suggestions:

  • Check the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and change to your furry friend’s size and behavior.
  • Avoid pointing them at high-activity spots like food dispensers, even if you have pet-sensitive sensors.
  • Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving intense sunlight.
  • Make certain spaces are sufficiently insulated to minimize temperature fluctuations.
  • Dust and wipe off devices periodically to ensure proper function.
  • Inspect batteries and change as needed. Certain motion sensors will even let you know when batteries are running out.
  • Consider a professional installation to ensure correct positioning.

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

How to incorporate motion sensors into your Milwaukee smart home?

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

  • Obtain instant notifications on your cell phone when motion is found. You could also program them to alert you when your kids arrive home from school.
  • Configure interior cameras to record when a motion sensor trips.
  • Change temperature levels or lighting based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy bills.

Top smart home motion sensors, like the ones offered by Vivint, continue to employ artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively detect actual threats and reduce false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get the top motion sensors in Milwaukee from Vivint when you customize your fully integrated smart home. Our sensors are pet-sensitive and let you initiate a variety of automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery and automatic cell phone notifications. Reach out to (414) 409-5889 today to get started.