Posted by We recently purchased a home with an ADT security system already installed. If we are able to get the code from the previous owners, are we able to use the system without purchasing their monitoring service?
If we can’t get the code from the previous owners, is there a way to reset the system to factory settings so that we can set our own code?
This comes up a lot these days, with lots of folks moving - great question. The large companies (and ADT is certainly one of them) routinely cross-reference the monitoring services against the billing database, possibly each month. When a particular system is not being paid for after a certain period time (usually 90 days) the company will commence termination of services. In other words, having the code is not enough - no pay, no play (eventually). And as for having it monitored, it just makes sense - for intrusion and also for fire. A discount from your insurance company should offset the cost, especially when you add fire monitoring
The real question to ask is whether the system is safe in the first place, and does it serve your needs. Odds are (90%, anyway) that the system you have uses your home phone line to communicate with the central monitoring station. The nasty little secret that casts a shadow over the alarm industry is that millions of these systems are hardly safe: all it takes is a $3 pair wire cutters to take them out. Sadly, that is true for internet-based systems as well. The only truly reliable systems use cellular technology to communicate. Here are some points to consider:
1) ADT is not known for their service level. Just do some on-line research on your own to check out their reviews, and Google is good place to start. Bigger does not mean better.
2) ADT will charge you for adding a cellular radio (probably a bolt-on solution), and will also add to the monthly they charge. There are companies who do not charge extra for the radio, or extra for the cellular monitoring. In fact, you may be able to buy a new system for less than the ADT upgrade, AND save money on the monthly. These are options you want to explore.
3) You also want the latest features, and the "big" companies do not offer them: cellular monitoring for no extra fee, same for fire monitoring, remote arm/disarm. email and text notifications, special apps for smart phones, and even video and smart phone functions. Don’t buy the past!
4) You can even get DIY 100% wireless systems that you can upgrade at any time, and even move with you. You could even change service providers if the equipment can be used by another provider - so you are not stuck by any means.
So shop hard, check the on-line reviews, and do your due diligence. You have choices, and now is the time to learn how much home security has evolved - and what you can get today!
Get in touch with ADT for the reset codes. they will have you remove the panel from the main command center and you may ned to verify that you have purchased the home. I could have used mine w/out monitoring–but why not pay the few dollars a month?
You would be able to use the system if you were able to get the codes but unless you can reprogram the system it is always going to have a trouble on it for not being able to connect to the central station. Chances are it is going to beep at you at regular intervals and drive you crazy. You would have to have the system reprogrammed to get it to stop. It might be able to be reset it to factory settings depending on what equipment manufacturer you have, but you would still have the same issue, it would need to be reprogrammed.
Just because it is an ADT system does not mean they have to monitor it. Any company can monitor it. I would check with a local company and see if they would reprogram it for you and what that would cost. Some may, some may not if you are not going to have it monitored.
Also be aware that ADT may actually contact you and tell you that you have to have it monitored with them or they need to remove the system because they own the equipment. Tell them to take a hike.
If you contact us through the site below we might be able to walk you through getting it to work.