Have you bought a home with ADT already installed by the previous owners? If you are lucky enough to purchase a home with ADT, you will have a system from one of America’s leading security system providers.
When buying a home with ADT, you must set up a new account and contract agreement. Once you activate the system, you can enjoy high-quality home monitoring and support for your property.
To activate your ADT security system quickly, you must learn the correct steps. This article will cover how to activate your security system and make equipment changes that work best for your home.
Do You Need to Activate an ADT Security System?
When you buy a home with an ADT alarm system, it won’t be activated automatically. You will need to contact a representative and set up your system. The ADT representative will cover the current system in your home and the available pricing options.
If you need no additional installation and want to use their professional monitoring, you can receive service for as low as $20 per month. However, many factors will determine the price of your system.
No matter the type of system, you will need to schedule an activation service with a certified provider. The ADT specialist will help activate the system and help you program a passcode for the alarms.
How Much Are ADT’s Security Monitoring Services?
ADT offers three packages for their systems that you can choose from depending on the equipment. Additionally, you can customize the system for added fees to meet your property’s needs.
The three security packages available for ADT are:
- Secure Home: This basic home security package includes alarm monitoring starting at $45.99 per month.
- Smart Home: Similar to the Secure Home package, this option comes with a convenient mobile app and smart door lock for $49.99 per month.
- Video and Smart Home: This comprehensive security package includes camera monitoring and customizable alerts for $57.99 per month.
When signing up for a contract, the shortest contract length available from ADT is three years. Unfortunately, there is no way to agree to a shorter contract length for their professional monitoring services.
However, if you already have the equipment in your home, you will not need to pay for the installation and equipment. ADT’s most basic package starts at $599 for installation and equipment.
Can You Use ADT Equipment Without Monitoring?
Unlike other alarm system companies, you will not need to purchase monitoring to receive the system’s benefits. The alarms will still activate if someone attempts to break in without your permission.
However, the alarm will not notify emergency services, and you must contact them yourself. If someone breaks into your home, they may be scared by the loud alarm sirens and leave the property.
According to Reolink, a burglar is three times more likely to target a property without a security system. However, if you want superior security, investing in professional monitoring is always a good option.
How Do You Upgrade an ADT Security System?
With ADT’s long history dating back over 100 years, it’s likely you bought a home with ADT equipment that’s outdated in your home. If you have older equipment in your home, you can request a system upgrade with the latest technology.
However, you will need to invest considerable money if you want a new ADT security system. While the older systems may not be as advanced, they offer suitable protection for you and your home.
In some cases, ADT will require you to upgrade specific system parts to utilize their professional monitoring. These upgrades will ensure seamless operation and fewer technical issues in the future.
Can You Use Other Brand Equipment?
If you want to work with another alarm system provider, you can utilize some of the equipment provided by ADT. While the security cameras and control panel won’t work, you can use the ADT-branded sensors for the job.
Additionally, you can receive local monitoring services from a company near you. Instead of ADT monitoring the alarms in your home, you can have a local alarm monitoring company help you improve security.
Will ADT Take Equipment Back If You Miss Payments?
When someone signs up for ADT, they can pay an initial sum or include the equipment payments in a monthly fee. If the previous homeowner signed a contract with ADT, they are responsible for making the payments.
Once the contract is over with the previous owner, the equipment won’t be repossessed or taken by ADT. The negative effects of missing payments will appear on the previous owner’s credit history.
If you bought a home with ADT, you can activate the system or throw it away if you don’t want to use it. You hold no responsibility for the previous owner’s payment history, as there is no way to transfer contracts between users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, you can’t bring an ADT security system to your future home. The conditions will depend on the agreement in the contract, but the system will typically stay with the next owner. If you want ADT equipment at your next home, you can schedule a new equipment installation service.
When you no longer want ADT, you will need to call to speak with a representative. Since most ADT contracts are 36 months, you will likely need to pay a fee to break the agreement. The total to break the agreement will depend on the remaining amount for your contract and the type of system.
ADT security systems are tied to individual properties, so the contract can’t be transferred between owners. Once the initial owner leaves the home, the new owner can agree to a new contract with ADT. Every owner is responsible for their contract and won’t affect future homeowners.
Conclusion
ADT is one of the most popular and longstanding home security companies. If you bought a home with ADT, activate the system by contacting their support number. You won’t have to pay installation costs for equipment by having the equipment already installed.
Get started by calling their help phone number at 1-(800)-716-3640 or visit their support page here.