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How to reduce motion sensor false alarms in your Bend home

April 30, 2025
Modern motion sensors working inside a home

Motion sensors are crucial aspects in a comprehensive home security plan, as they’ll tell you if an uninvited guest is prowling around your house. Unfortunately, they’re also susceptible to false alarms, causing frustration and a bad night’s sleep for Bend homeowners. If you’re trying to find solutions, review our tips on reducing motion sensor false alarms.

What initiates motion detector false alarms?

The majority of residential motion detectors utilize passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect activity. They sense fluctuations in infrared radiation inside their coverage zone and can recognize when something is in motion by its heat signature. False alarms are often caused by: 

  • Pets leaping on sofas or tabletops
  • Bursts of bright daylight through a window
  • Different heat sources, such as fireplaces and air ducts
  • Rapid temperature or humidity shifts, which cause equipment to be hypersensitive or unresponsive

Microwave motion sensors are an additional widespread option that detects movement by constantly broadcasting and analyzing electromagnetic waves. Known as active motion sensors, they pinpoint movement through modifications in the reflected signal. Any unforseen motion, like curtains swaying when the HVAC fan kicks on, can trigger an alarm.

Tips for limiting motion sensor false alarms at your Bend home

Beyond losing sleep, motion sensor false alarms are even more disruptive as they might lower your sensitivity to real threats. Moreover, frequent false alarms might become a frustration for first responders and may affect ensuing response times. Fortunately, you can help avoid them by adhering to these recommendations:

  • Investigate the sensitivity parameters of your equipment and adjust to your animal’s behavior and size.
  • Avoid directing them at high-activity spots like food dispensers, even if you have pet-friendly detectors.
  • Avoid aiming motion sensors at windows receiving bright sunlight.
  • Make sure areas are properly insulated to help prevent extreme temperature fluctuations.
  • Frequently dust and wipe off devices to keep sensors working properly.
  • Inspect batteries and change as needed. Some devices will even let you know when batteries are running out.
  • Consider a professional installation to ensure proper positioning.

You could also invest in multi-function devices that use both passive and active sensors to identify motion, leading to improved accuracy.

How to utilize motion sensors in your Bend smart home?

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

  • Get immediate alerts on your smartphone any time activity is found. You could also utilize them to notify you when your kids get home from school.
  • Have cameras to record automatically whenever a motion sensor trips.
  • Alter lighting or thermostat settings based on your home’s occupancy. This functionality can help reduce energy costs.

Top smart home devices, like the models offered by Vivint, continue to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to more effectively identify actual threats and decrease false alarms.

Design your Vivint smart home with dependable motion sensors

Get leading motion sensors in Bend from Vivint when you customize your comprehensive smart home. Our sensors are animal-sensitive and allow you to program numerous home automation actions. You’ll also appreciate the five-year battery life and instant smartphone updates. Contact (541) 327-4968 today to get started.