CCTV Maintenance Costs
Understand the real expenses of maintaining your CCTV system, from routine cleaning to cloud storage.
Home > Blog > Is CCTV Expensive to Run? A Complete Cost Guide
CCTV cameras are no longer a luxury – they have become a necessity for homes, businesses, and public spaces. But one question almost every customer asks before installing a system is: “Is CCTV expensive to run?” The good news is that modern CCTV systems are energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and cost-effective when installed correctly. In this guide, we explain electricity use, maintenance costs, internet needs, and hidden expenses. This way, you will know what to expect. At Smart Secures, we have helped over 8,800 clients in Hyderabad and Vijayawada. We install CCTV systems that fit their budget and provide peace of mind.
When we talk about CCTV expenses, we need to separate initial setup costs from ongoing running costs.
Running Cost (Monthly)
Good to know: Most people worry about running costs, but compared to the security CCTV offers, the monthly spend is usually surprisingly low.
Example: A home with 4 HD cameras consumes about 12–15 watts in total, roughly like running a single LED bulb.
Even when you run your CCTV system 24/7, typical electricity costs remain
| Device | Typical Power Draw |
|---|---|
| 4-channel DVR | ~10–15 watts |
| 8-channel DVR | ~20–25 watts |
| NVR with PoE switch | Slightly higher, still manageable |
Even when you run your CCTV system 24/7, typical electricity costs remain modest:
| Setup Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Small home setup | ₹100–₹150 |
| Medium office setup | ₹200–₹400 |
| Large business setup | ₹500–₹800 |
Note: Actual bills vary by local electricity rates, number of cameras, recording mode (continuous vs. motion), and storage type.
Bottom line: Electricity is not a significant burden in overall CCTV running costs.
Understand the real expenses of maintaining your CCTV system, from routine cleaning to cloud storage.
Dust and heat in cities like Hyderabad can affect camera lenses. Regular cleaning, performed every 3–4 months, helps keep your system clear and reliable.
Most professional providers, including Smart Secures, offer AMC plans that typically cover:
Typical AMC Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000 per year, depending on system size.
Over time, specific components may need replacement:
These are occasional costs, not monthly burdens.
If you choose cloud recording: ₹300–₹700 per camera/month (varies by provider and retention days).
Most DVR/NVR systems use HDDs for recording. A 1TB drive can store 15–20 days of HD footage from 4 cameras. This is a one-time cost of ₹3,000–₹4,000.
If you only view recordings locally, internet usage is minimal. For remote viewing on a mobile app, data use increases:
| Setup Type | Approx. Data Use |
|---|---|
| Standard home CCTV | ~30–50 GB per month |
| Businesses (multiple HD streams) | ~100 GB+ |
Beyond installation and electricity, some extra expenses can appear over time. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Since CCTV runs 24/7, power backup is essential to avoid recording gaps during outages.
Technology evolves quickly. Upgrading from analogue to IP or HD to 4K is optional but can improve clarity and features. Many businesses choose to upgrade every 4–6 years.
If you hire a professional monitoring service, costs may range from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month, depending on features and response support.
Tip: Evaluate if remote monitoring is necessary for your setup. Many small homes rely only on mobile alerts.
Home CCTV systems are affordable and hassle-free, making them a practical choice for families.
Still far cheaper than hiring a full-time security guard while offering 24/7 surveillance.
A one-time investment of a few thousand rupees can protect lakhs of rupees worth of property. Over the years, the security and peace of mind have far outweighed the minimal running costs.
Simple tips to lower your monthly CCTV expenses without compromising on security.
Modern IP and HD cameras are designed for low power consumption, helping you save on electricity bills year-round.
Solar-powered CCTV cameras are perfect for farms, construction sites, and remote areas. They eliminate the need for grid electricity, reducing running costs to almost zero.
Matching your storage to actual usage avoids unnecessary cloud fees while keeping critical footage safe.
So, is CCTV expensive to run? The answer is No.
With today’s energy-efficient systems, the monthly running cost is minimal compared to the protection it provides.
At Smart Secures, we provide affordable CCTV installation in Hyderabad & Vijayawada, with same-day setup, expert service, and 24/7 support.
Call +91-9346133102 today for a free site survey & quote. Protect your home, office, or shop with the city’s most trusted security partner.
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