Maintaining your HVAC system should be one of your main goals as a homeowner, but so should protecting it. If you have a heat pump or air conditioner (A/C) with an outside compressor/condenser unit, it may be an attractive target for thieves. The outdoor unit has a large amount of copper, which is a valuable metal.
Location Is Key
There are a lot of simple things you can do without spending a lot of money to prevent air conditioner theft:
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Installation: When you buy a new A/C, try to install the outdoor unit out of sight if possible. The backyard is the best place for it. On the other hand, if you live in an area with a lot of traffic, it may make more sense to install the outside unit where it can be seen from the street. Thieves usually like to operate where they’re obscured from potential witnesses.
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Camouflage it: If thieves don’t think you have an A/C, they can’t try to steal the outside unit’s copper. Put a fence around the outdoor unit or hide it with patio furniture.
Invest in Safety to Prevent Air Conditioner Theft
If you do have the budget or you live in a high-crime neighborhood, purchasing some effective security equipment is a good idea:
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Motion-activated camera: A simple surveillance camera doesn’t cost much. It will record any movement around your outdoor unit, and some can even upload the footage to the Internet automatically. This is your best bet to catch someone if they try to steal your copper.
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Alarm system: An alarm system is a deterrent that while not physically stopping thieves, may scare them away. You can also put up obvious signs that you have an alarm system so any thieves will pick an easier target.
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Cage: There are specifically designed locking “cages” for outdoor A/C units. They not only make it difficult for any potential thieves, but also may protect your unit during the winter from the elements.
If you would like more information about discouraging air conditioner theft, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve served the Twin Cities metro area for more than 40 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventing air conditioner theft and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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