What are the Running Costs for Security Equipment?

Read on as we take a closer look…

Fortunately, there are minimal electricity costs associated with running a security system. On average, a burglar alarm requires around 7-8 watts of power to run, and, generally speaking, will use around 60-70 kWh of electricity per year. However, this amount can vary depending on the specific model and its features.

The average price of electricity in Bermuda for households is 0.37 US dollars per kWh. On average, a burglar alarm that is always left on will use about 0.168 kWh per day. Over the year, this will build up to around 61.32 kWh, resulting an annual cost of approximately $22.70 – not very much at all.

Meanwhile, a CCTV camera generally consumes between 2-15 watts of power. Based on an average of 10 watts, a CCTV camera will use about 0.24 kWh per day. Annually, this will rise to around 87.6 kWh, or just $32 per year. Most CCTV cameras will also be connected to a DVR device to record footage. These generally consume between 10 to 40 watts. On average, this will clock in at a mere $8.11 per month.

As well as electricity costs, you’ll need to factor in the costs for servicing and repairs – though again, these are very affordable.

You’ll need to ensure your burglar alarm is serviced every six months, which will usually cost between $80 – $100. In some cases, your provider might charge a smaller fee each month to cover you throughout the year. Depending on the complexity of the alarm system, repairs can cost from as low as $80 up to around $300.

CCTV camera maintenance costs will usually depend on the level of servicing required, as well as the number of cameras. In some cases, your servicing may even be covered by your warranty, so it’s best to check with your provider beforehand. However, you should expect a cost of around $70. In terms of camera repairs, you’re looking at around $100 to $380 on average, though this can increase if you need a complete system repair.

Though there are some minimal associated costs with the running of security equipment, if you decide to do without a security system, you could be at risk of catastrophic financial loss. According to statistics from the FBI, the average burglary cost US homeowners a whopping $2,799 in stolen property. Collectively, a total of $3.4 billion dollars was lost. That’s a huge contrast to the meagre costs of running a burglar alarm or CCTV camera.

This is without considering any homeowner insurance discounts you may be entitled to by installing security equipment. In some cases, you may receive a small discount for installing protections, such as burglar and fire alarms. More complex systems may qualify for a larger discount. However, you should always check this with your insurance provider beforehand.

If avoiding the astronomical costs of a break-in is high on your list of priorities, then Selectron has the burglar alarms, CCTV cameras and security lighting you need to keep your Bermuda home safe.

With affordable pricing and top-of-the-range security solutions, your home will be protected from intruders in no time at all. Get in touch with our expert team today to learn more about our services.