How Much Electricity Does A Home Alarm Use?
Alarms are a common household appliance, but how much electricity do they use? This is an important question to consider, as even small devices can add up to significant electricity consumption over time. Additionally, knowing how much electricity your alarm uses can help you choose a backup system in case of a power outage, which is exactly what I needed to know when I was planning a tour of Europe last month.
Your home alarm system can use anywhere from 35 to 60 kWh per year, which is really not that much. To learn how much that should add up on your utility bill and myriads of other relevant information, read below.
How much electricity does an alarm use?
The amount of electricity that an alarm uses depends on a number of factors, including the type of alarm, its features, and how often it’s used. However, in general, alarms use very little electricity.
| Type of alarm | Electricity usage (watts) | Electricity usage (kWh/year) |
| Home security alarm system with basic features | 7-8 | 35-40 |
| Burglar alarm | 7-8 | 60-70 |
Brand and Model
The brand and model of your alarm system play a significant role in determining power consumption. Energy-efficient models may consume as low as 60-70 kWh annually, while older or less efficient options could use more.
Add-Ons and Accessories
Additional features like motion sensors, security cameras, or smart home integrations can increase power usage. For example, security cameras can consume varying amounts of electricity depending on their activity level.
Estimating Electricity Costs
Based on typical usage estimates, electricity costs are:
- Basic standby alarm system: 35 kWh x $0.14 per kWh = $5 annually
- Standard burglar alarm: 65 kWh x $0.14 per kWh = $9 annually
So basic alarm systems have very low electricity usage, costing less than $10 per year to operate. Advanced systems use more power but are still relatively minimal in cost.
How Long Can a Backup System Support Your Alarm?
Backup power systems, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or backup batteries, are essential to ensure your alarm functions during power outages. The backup duration depends on the system’s capacity and the alarm’s power consumption. A backup system with a specific capacity can support an alarm using a certain wattage for a determined duration.
Additional notes
- The electricity usage of a home security alarm system can vary depending on the specific model and its features. For example, a system with multiple cameras or a remote monitoring feature will use more electricity than a basic system.
- The electricity usage of a burglar alarm can also vary depending on the specific model and its features. For example, a system with multiple sensors or a siren will use more electricity than a basic system.
Sum Up
Accurately estimating the electricity usage of your alarm system is vital for energy efficiency, cost savings, and uninterrupted security. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions to reduce electricity usage and enhance the effectiveness of your security setup.
