Does a House Alarm Use a Lot of Electricity?

House alarms are essential for securing your home, providing peace of mind that your property is protected. But if you’re considering installing one or already have one in place, you might wonder about the electricity it consumes. After all, with energy costs on the rise, every little bit counts.

How Much Electricity Does a House Alarm Use?

In general, house alarms do not use a significant amount of electricity. Modern security systems are designed to be energy-efficient, given that they run continuously. On average, a house alarm system in the UK might use between 5 to 20 watts of electricity per hour. This translates to about 0.12 to 0.48 kWh per day, depending on the system’s complexity and additional features like cameras or sensors.

What Factors Affect the Electricity Usage of a House Alarm?

1. System Type: Basic wired alarms typically use less power than more advanced systems with multiple wireless components or cameras.
2. Battery Backup: Many alarms have a battery backup that charges when not in use. The charging process consumes electricity, though this is usually minimal.
3. Sensors and Detectors: Motion sensors, glass break detectors, and other accessories might slightly increase electricity usage, but these increments are typically small.
4. Smart Features: If your alarm system is integrated with a smart home system, regularly connects to Wi-Fi, or includes a camera feed, the energy consumption will be slightly higher. However, even smart systems are designed to be energy-efficient.

Cost Implications

Considering the average electricity rates in the UK, which are about 30p per kWh, the cost of running a house alarm is negligible. For instance, if your alarm uses 0.48 kWh per day, this would amount to roughly 14.4p per day, or about £5.26 per year. When compared to the benefits of a secure home, this cost is minimal. 

Statistics based on rates dated: Aug 2024

How to Ensure Energy Efficiency

1. Regular Maintenance: Keep your alarm system well-maintained to ensure it runs efficiently. Dusting sensors, checking connections, and updating firmware can help minimize energy use.
2. Optimize Settings: Many modern alarms allow you to optimize power usage, such as adjusting the sensitivity of sensors or setting schedules for active monitoring.
3. Consider Solar Power: Some advanced systems offer solar-powered options for truly minimal electricity use. This can be particularly useful for external sensors or cameras.

House alarms do not consume a lot of electricity, especially when compared to other household appliances. Their energy consumption is low, and the security benefits they offer far outweigh the minimal cost to your energy bill. If you’re considering a house alarm, rest assured that it won’t make a significant impact on your electricity usage.