How much does it cost to run a home security system?
A home security system costs about 0.1¢ per hour, 3.5¢ a day, $1.05 a month and $13 a year at typical use (24 hours a day) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. A security system's control panel, keypad and sensors typically draw 4-15 W continuously, including battery charging.
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Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.01 | 0.1¢ | $0.04 | $1 |
| 2 hours | 0.02 | 0.3¢ | $0.09 | $1 |
| 4 hours | 0.03 | 0.6¢ | $0.18 | $2 |
| 8 hours | 0.06 | 1.2¢ | $0.35 | $4 |
| 12 hours | 0.10 | 1.7¢ | $0.53 | $6 |
| 24 hours | 0.19 | 3.5¢ | $1.05 | $13 |
Cost to run a home security system in every state
The same home security system costs $9 a year in North Dakota and $31 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 0.10¢ | $0.72 | $9 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.74 | $9 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.75 | $9 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.76 | $9 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.79 | $10 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.80 | $10 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.81 | $10 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.81 | $10 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.82 | $10 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.82 | $10 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.83 | $10 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.83 | $10 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.83 | $10 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.86 | $10 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.86 | $10 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.88 | $11 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.88 | $11 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.90 | $11 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.90 | $11 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.90 | $11 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.90 | $11 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.91 | $11 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.91 | $11 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.93 | $11 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.95 | $11 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.96 | $12 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.96 | $12 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.97 | $12 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 0.1¢ | $0.99 | $12 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 0.1¢ | $1.04 | $12 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 0.1¢ | $1.07 | $13 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 0.1¢ | $1.10 | $13 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.10 | $13 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.21 | $15 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.23 | $15 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.23 | $15 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.39 | $17 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.39 | $17 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.41 | $17 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.56 | $19 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.57 | $19 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.64 | $20 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.66 | $20 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.71 | $21 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.71 | $21 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 0.2¢ | $1.78 | $21 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 0.3¢ | $1.93 | $23 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 0.3¢ | $2.54 | $31 |
How to cut the cost
- Dim keypad backlights or set them to time out.
- Replace backup batteries every 3-5 years; failing batteries can make the charger work harder.
- Wireless DIY systems typically draw less than older wired panels.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Low-power base stations draw a few watts.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home security system | 8 | 24 hours a day | $1.05 | $13 |
| Security camera | 5 | 24 hours a day | $0.66 | $8 |
| Video doorbell | 4 | 24 hours a day | $0.53 | $6 |
| Smart home hub | 3 | 24 hours a day | $0.39 | $5 |
| Water softener | 4 | 24 hours a day | $0.53 | $6 |
| UV water purifier | 40 | 24 hours a day | $5.26 | $63 |
| Septic aerator | 80 | 24 hours a day | $10.51 | $126 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a home security system per hour?
A home security system drawing 8 watts uses 0.01 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 0.1¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 0.10¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 0.3¢.
How much does it cost to run a home security system per month?
At typical use (24 hours a day), a home security system costs about $1.05 a month and $13 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a home security system use?
Most home security systems use 3 to 20 watts. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a home security system use?
About 0.19 kWh a day and 70 kWh a year at typical use (24 hours a day).
Does a home security system use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 70 kWh a year it's a small share (0.7%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a home security system or a security camera?
At typical use, a home security system costs about $13 a year versus $8 for a security camera. So the security camera is cheaper by about $5 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a home security system?
- Dim keypad backlights or set them to time out.
- Replace backup batteries every 3-5 years; failing batteries can make the charger work harder.
- Wireless DIY systems typically draw less than older wired panels.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.