If you’re exploring the available options for protecting your family or business in Southern Colorado, you may be wondering whether security cameras are expensive to run and install and what additional expenses you should budget for. This month’s blog article will give you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
What Impacts the Cost of Running Security Cameras?
A common assumption is that security camera systems are costly to install and maintain. If you are under that impression, we have good news for you! With recent technological advancements, these systems have become more affordable and accessible to the average Colorado Springs homeowner and business owner than ever before.
So let’s get down to it – what factors impact security camera costs?
Number of Security Cameras Needed
The first thing that impacts whether security cameras are expensive to run is the number of cameras you require. For obvious reasons, you will need more security cameras for large homes and properties than you would for a smaller home downtown.
The Type of Cameras You Purchase
Just like buying a new car, the more features you want in your cameras, the higher the price point you can expect.
Resolution, motion detection, and infrared lights for night vision are some of the features that will raise the price of your camera system. The number of features available for security cameras is increasing as technology advances.
Your Structure
For both CCTV systems and access control installation in Colorado Springs, the type of building you are in makes a big difference in whether security cameras are expensive to run. While our professional installers can typically place cameras just about anywhere, additional costs may be associated with stone and other building materials.
DVR / NVR Storage Requirements
Security camera systems paired with a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR) will record events and ensure that you have valuable legal evidence in case of an unforeseen event on your property.
The amount of storage you will need determines the cost of the DVR/NVR, and the amount of storage depends on things like the resolution of your cameras and how long you want to keep the videos.
Now that you know some factors determining whether security cameras are expensive to run, let’s get down to brass tacks – what kind of costs should you expect?
Security Camera Costs – Equipment and Installation
At System Links Colorado, many of our clients are surprised at the affordability of for their homes or businesses.
For instance, one of our most popular security camera packages, which includes four cameras, professional installation, a DVR and training on all of the above, starts at just $1,500. This is a great package for local homeowners who want more security than a doorbell camera can provide.
The cost of a basic analog or IP camera can range from $100 to $200. However, as mentioned above, the installation cost per camera may increase if you opt for more advanced features such as infrared night vision, pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, or high-resolution imaging.
A basic, standalone DVR or NVR unit can start at around $200 and go up to $1,000 or more for more advanced models with expanded storage and features.
In addition to the initial cost of the DVR or NVR unit, expenses such as hard drives for storage, monitors, cables, power supplies, and any additional accessories that complete the set-up can affect whether security cameras are expensive to run.
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The Upfront Cost vs Monthly Fees
One of the most significant advantages of installing security cameras with DVR/NVR capability is that once you pay the initial installation costs, you own all of the equipment, the video recordings are yours to keep as long as you like, and there are no additional monthly fees to pay to remotely monitor your property. In this instance, security cameras are not expensive to run.
Compare this with standard doorbell camera services. The cost per camera can be anywhere from under $100 to almost $400, not including professional installation.
There are also monthly fees to access your video feed remotely, and your recordings may only be available for a mere 60 days. This time limit means that if you need to use the video as powerful legal evidence, you may be out of luck by the time you get to court.
Professional Security Camera Installation Comes with Unparalleled Service
One major advantage of hiring a professional security camera system installer is the continuing level of service you receive. At System Links, we believe that no job is complete until our client is happy and satisfied. We stand behind our installation services with a three-year warranty—unparalleled in our industry.
So, the answer to the question of whether security cameras are expensive to run? No. Besides your initial upfront costs, professionally installed security cameras are a cost-effective solution to protecting your Southern Colorado home and business.
The Priceless Quality of Peace of Mind with System Links
For many of our Southern Colorado clients, the question of whether security cameras are expensive to run comes down to one priceless quality – peace of mind. The sense of security from knowing that your loved ones and valuables are protected is incomparable, especially considering the relatively small upfront costs associated with a reliable CCTV system.
If you want to explore the comprehensive costs and options for your specific security requirements, contact System Links Colorado to schedule your free, no-obligation, on-site security assessment and quote.
With our personalized guidance and professional assistance, you can find the most suitable and cost-effective security solutions tailored to your requirements.
