The allure of ditching home security monitoring fees while enjoying the peace of mind of an ADT system is understandable. After all, who wouldn’t want to save $40-50 per month while keeping loved ones and possessions protected? However, going it alone without an alarm monitoring service means taking on serious responsibility.
In this post, I’ll outline the steps needed how to use ADT alarm system without monitoring, but also urge caution. While do-it-yourself security can save money, cutting ties with professional monitoring opens your home up to risks that most homeowners may need more preparation to handle independently.
Necessary Items
To best use ADT’s home security system without monitoring, you’ll need:
- An active ADT alarm kit
- A landline phone (for most systems)
- A drill and a ⅛-inch bit for installation (optional)
10 Steps on How to Use ADT Alarm System Without Monitoring
Step 1: Verify Your Equipment
The first step is to ensure you have all the equipment installed in your home. This includes a control panel, door/window sensors, motion detectors, and any other devices with your ADT alarm kit.
Step 2: Check Your Control Panel
Next, you’ll need to check your control panel to see if it’s armed or disarmed. If it’s currently armed, you must disarm it before proceeding. You’ll typically need to enter a code or use a key fob to disarm your system.
Step 3: Locate Your Master Code
If you own the ADT alarm kit, you should have been provided with a master code. This code is essential for accessing and controlling your system without monitoring. If you don’t have this code, you must contact ADT customer service to retrieve it.
Step 4: Arm Your System in “Stay” Mode
Now that you have your master code, you can arm your system in “stay” mode. Only the perimeter sensors (i.e., door/window sensors) will be armed, while interior sensors (i.e., motion detectors) will be bypassed. To do this, enter your master code and the “stay” button on your control panel.
Step 5: Test Your System
Before relying on your system for protection, it must be tested to ensure all devices function correctly. You can do this by setting off each sensor individually and providing the alarm goes off as expected.
Step 6: Arm Your System in “Away” Mode
If you’re leaving your home, you’ll want to arm your system in “away” mode. This means all sensors will be armed, and any movement or entry will trigger the alarm. To do this, enter your master code and the “away” button on your control panel.
Step 7: Install Your Yard Sign and Window Stickers
To deter potential intruders, displaying your ADT yard sign and window stickers prominently is essential. This will show that a professional security company still monitors your home.
Step 8: Set Up Text/Email Notifications
While you won’t have professional monitoring, you can set up text or email notifications for any alarm triggers. This will allow you to stay informed and take necessary action in an emergency.
Step 9: Regularly Test Your System
To ensure your system is always functioning correctly, it must be regularly tested at least once a month. Knowing that your home is still protected will also give you peace of mind.
Step 10: Consider Professional Monitoring Alternatives
While using your ADT alarm system without monitoring may save money in the short term, weighing the risks and potential consequences is essential. If you’re uncomfortable taking on self-monitoring responsibility, consider alternative options such as a self-monitoring service or a DIY home security system with no monthly fees.
With the steps on how to use ADT alarm system without monitoring outlined above, you can use your ADT alarm system without monitoring and still enjoy the benefits of home security. However, it’s important to remember that DIY security comes with added responsibility and may provide a different level of protection than professional monitoring.
8 Things to Avoid When Using ADT Alarm System Without Monitoring
While using your ADT alarm system without monitoring may save money, there are a few things to avoid to ensure the best possible protection for your home:
1. Skipping Regular Testing and Maintenance
Regularly testing your system is essential to ensure it functions correctly. Additionally, routine maintenance, such as changing sensor batteries, will help prevent false alarms and keep your system running smoothly.
2. Forgetting Your Master Code
Without the master code, you won’t be able to access or control your system. Make sure to keep this code in a safe and easily accessible place.
3. Leaving Your Home Unprotected
It’s essential to arm your system even at home to ensure maximum protection. Don’t become complacent and leave your home vulnerable.
4. Not Having a Backup Plan
During a power outage or internet disruption, your DIY security system may not function as expected without monitoring. Make sure to have a backup plan in place for these situations.
5. Neglecting to Update Emergency Contact Information
Using text or email notifications, ensure your emergency contact information is up-to-date and accurate. This will ensure that necessary action can be taken in the event of an alarm trigger.
6. Disabling Sensors
It may be tempting to disable specific sensors to avoid false alarms, but this leaves your home vulnerable to potential entry points. It’s essential to keep all sensors armed and functioning correctly.
7. Not Considering the Risks
Before relying solely on a DIY security system, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and consequences. Without professional monitoring, you are responsible for your home’s safety.
8. Ignoring Home Security Basics
While an alarm system is essential for home security, other basic measures, such as locking doors and windows, should also be taken. Don’t solely rely on your alarm system for protection.
Overall, using your ADT alarm system without monitoring requires added responsibility and diligence to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully utilize your DIY security system and enjoy peace of mind.
6 Care Tips
1. Regular Maintenance Checks
Like any other electronic device, your ADT alarm system requires regular maintenance checks to ensure it functions correctly. Testing and checking all sensors, batteries, and connections is recommended once a month.
2. Keep Batteries Fresh
Replace batteries in your sensors at least once a year or as needed. This will prevent false alarms and ensure the proper functionality of your system.
3. Keep Emergency Contact Information Up-to-Date
In the event of an alarm trigger, it’s essential to have accurate and up-to-date emergency contact information for quick response and assistance.
4. Update Emergency Contact Information
It’s important to regularly update your emergency contact information, especially if you change phone numbers or email addresses. This will ensure that necessary action can be taken in the event of an alarm trigger.
5. Familiarize Yourself with DIY Troubleshooting
In case of any issues, it’s helpful to research and familiarize yourself with DIY troubleshooting techniques for your specific ADT security system model. This can save time and money in the long run.
6. Consider Professional Maintenance Services
While DIY maintenance can save money, having a professional check and service your system at least once a year is beneficial to ensure everything is functioning correctly. By following these care tips, you can prolong the life of your ADT alarm system and enjoy continued protection for your home. In addition, staying informed and educated on how to use and maintain your DIY security system will also contribute to its effectiveness in protecting your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Retrieve My ADT Alarm System’s Master Code?
If you were not provided with a master code, you can contact ADT customer service to retrieve it. You will likely need to provide proof of ownership for your alarm system.
Can I Monitor My ADT Alarm System Remotely Without Professional Monitoring?
You can set up text or email notifications for alarm triggers to monitor your system remotely. However, this may provide a different level of protection than professional monitoring.
Is Using My ADT Alarm System Without Monitoring Safe?
While it may save money in the short term, using your ADT alarm system without monitoring comes with added responsibility and potential risks. Regularly test and maintain your system; consider alternative options if you are uncomfortable with self-monitoring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using your ADT alarm system without monitoring requires additional responsibility and maintenance to ensure the safety of your home. By avoiding common mistakes and following care tips on how to use ADT alarm system without monitoring, you can successfully utilize your DIY security system and enjoy peace of mind. However, it’s essential to consider the risks and potential consequences before solely relying on a DIY system for home protection.
Consider seeking professional monitoring services or alternative options if you are uncomfortable with self-monitoring. By staying informed and educated on how to use and maintain your ADT alarm system, you can effectively protect your home and loved ones. Remember to keep your master code safe and accessible, arm your system at home, and regularly update emergency contact information for the best possible protection.
