Found out yesterday that 40% of false alarms come from one single thing

Saw a stat from a municipal report in Austin that says motion detectors near HVAC vents cause almost half the false dispatches. Has anyone else started relocating those sensors away from vents as a standard practice?

2 comments

2 Comments

brooke4751mo ago

I mean, I get why the report says that, but idk if relocating sensors is the best fix for everyone. Maybe it's just me but I've seen just as many false alarms from spiders or bugs crawling inside the sensor as from HVAC vents. The vents thing might be a local issue with Austin's building codes or something. I'd rather focus on better sensor placement overall, like keeping them away from windows and drafty doors too. Relocating just for vents feels like treating a symptom instead of the whole problem, you know?

piper_flores691mo agoTop Commenter

Nah, hard disagree. Vents are the biggest culprit by far. Spiders and bugs set off the sensor maybe once a month if you're unlucky. HVAC vents blast hot or cold air directly at the sensor every time the system kicks on. That's constant false alarms. Relocating away from vents isn't just treating a symptom, it's fixing the main cause. Windows and drafty doors too, sure, but vents are way worse in practice. Seen it in two different houses, both older builds, not just Austin.