Copper Theft Is At An All Time High
Would you leave an unattended box outside your home with thousands of dollars’ worth of valuables in it? Of course not, but that is exactly what you are doing when you install an un-protected air conditioner or heat pump.
Air conditioning units contain a large amount of valuable copper that well-trained thieves can strip from your system within minutes to sell as scrap metal. As a homeowner, an air conditioning theft can be devastating as it leaves you uncomfortable and at a loss of your expensive investment.
Here are four proven methods for deterring would-be thieves and protecting your air conditioning unit.
Air Conditioning Cage
One of the most basic, but effective ways to safe-guard your air conditioner or heat pump is to buy a specially designed cage for it. Local welding companies, online dealers, and even air conditioning manufacturers offer various types of cages to protect your unit.
For a few hundred dollars you can buy piece of mind via a well-enforced steel cage. The only downside to an air conditioning cage is that may appear unsightly to some homeowners.
Air Conditioning Alarm
Air conditioning alarms can be purchased as a more expensive, yet less visible alternative to an air conditioning cage. Homeowners may consider an alarm if they wish to keep the unit looking as clean and normal as possible. Most air conditioning alarms are based on the same pressure-sensitive premise, yet the technology behind the alarm can vary based on the company.
Even if you chose not to purchase a full alarm system for your unit, you can buy a fake alarm sticker. Homeowners have been using similar stickers to warn thieves that their home is protected by an alarm system, even if it isn’t. Such stickers are an effective and cheap alternative to a full alarm system.
Eye in the Sky
The technology savvy homeowner may already own a system of surveillance cameras to monitor various areas surrounding their homes. A motion-activated surveillance camera near your air conditioner, coupled with a warning sign is a sure way to motivate thieves to move on to an easier target. Install floodlights or motion-sensing outdoor lights near the unit to increase the effectiveness of surveillance cameras.
Easy Access: Denied
In some cases, homeowners may have the option to elevate an air conditioner or heat pump or at least move it to a less accessible and visible area. Hiding your unit behind shrubbery or a small fence may be enough to thwart would be thieves looking a fast way to make an illegal buck. Plus, the new landscaping can be a welcomed edition to any backyard.
Contact Horizon Services
While all HVAC equipment should be checked by a professional once a year, and an HVAC professional should always be called in to deal with major issues or repairs, you can extend the life of your HVAC system by taking just a few minutes each month to perform a few simple inspection and cleaning duties.
And, if you are ready to install or replace a heater or air conditioner our friendly and experienced team of Comfort Specialists know heating and air conditioning systems inside and out. They’ll take the time to study your home, understand your heating and cooling requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.
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