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Are CCTV Cameras Expensive To Run?

Are CCTV Cameras Expensive to Run?

CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras are everywhere you look. They make people feel safe and secure whenever they see CCTV cameras in a public space or business. 

So a common question we hear is are CCTV cameras expensive to run? Another common question is regarding CCTV installation and whether or not installing a CCTV system is an expensive process too.

CCTV Cameras Will Save You Money!

The answer is no. They do not add hundreds of dollars to your utility bills. However, they have recurring and repair expenses.

However, the bottom line is that CCTV cameras will save you money overall. This is due to the fact that the cost of not having CCTV cameras can be much greater if you’re running a business.

But first, let’s talk about the overall cost of CCTV cameras and how to select how many you may need. 

The Costs of CCTV Cameras

Purchasing CCTV cameras can be quite expensive depending on how many cameras you need and what kind you select. 

Single CCTV cameras range from $100-$500 while sets of multiple cameras can range from $1,000-$5,000. 

How do you know which one to get? Depends on what you are using them for. 

How to Select CCTV Cameras for Your Needs

You can use CCTV cameras in your business or at home. They are mostly used in business buildings for video surveillance but people use them in their homes for the same purpose.

There are bullet, turret, dome, pan tilt zoom, body temperature, and license plate recognition cameras. Each one serves a purpose and has a different price. 

Bullet, turret, dome, and pan tilt zoom cameras are ideal for inside surveillance. Body temperature cameras are used to read your body temperature accurately. These could be very useful to keep the sick out of your building or home. License plate recognition cameras are most commonly used at interstate tolls and in big cities. 

Depending on how big your business is, you may want to select a package with multiple cameras to cover more video footage of every little corner. This will ensure your building has full coverage and safety for everyone inside. 

In your home, purchasing a single CCTV camera would be ideal for some extra protection. If you want full coverage, then think about buying multiple CCTV cameras. 

The Cost of CCTV Camera Installation

When it comes to CCTV installation, some people rather hire professionals and some rather save money and do it themselves. Professionals install cameras and help you set up the system with your Wi-Fi. The average cost of a professional to install CCTV cameras in your building or home can cost between $80-$200 per camera to set up. 

Now if you are like “No way! I will do it myself!” Then you would obviously save hundreds of dollars. Just make sure to read the instructions carefully.

Utility Costs of Using CCTV cameras 

Now you are probably wondering how much your utilities may go up from having cameras running all the time. Well, it is not expensive at all to run CCTV cameras and they are fairly cost-effective. Most cameras range from 2 to 15 watts and the DVR can range between 10 to 50 watts (that is less than most appliances in your home right now). 

Since they run low on wattage, you should really consider how these cameras would be a great investment to keep you safe. They will not make your electric bill go up much at all. That is crazy, right?

Recurring Costs and Repairs

CCTV cameras come with recurring costs depending on the company and package you select. They require a good Wi-Fi plan that is fast and dependable. If you do not have Wi-Fi or need to upgrade your Wi-Fi package, this is an additional cost you may want to consider when deciding to install CCTV cameras. High-speed Wi-Fi packages can range from $19.99-$150.00 per month. 

Repairs to your CCTV cameras may be needed as they get damaged or age. Some companies have maintenance contracts and warranties that cover regular maintenance of cameras to prevent severe damage. Repairs can be done to cameras from $20-$400 and if they are not repairable, then you may need to replace the whole camera itself. 

Conclusion: Are CCTV Cameras Expensive To Run?

CCTV cameras are a great investment for people to feel safe and secure in their businesses or home. There really is something for everyone. So if you were debating on whether or not to get CCTV cameras due to the price, you should have a good idea of how much they will cost to install, run, repair, and get replaced if needed now.