Are you concerned about thieves targeting the outdoor component of your HVAC system? These units contain the air conditioner’s compressor and condenser, as well as salvageable metals such as copper and aluminum. When sold to recyclers, these metals can net the thieves a good price but you’ll be left with significant expense for repair or replacement. Read on for some ways to safeguard your A/C.
Metal Cage
Installing a metal cage around your compressor is a low-cost way to safeguard the A/C from theft. Made of stainless steel or iron, these cages are designed to prevent thieves from tampering with your compressor and removing metals, or removing the unit altogether to disassemble later or else to sell as a replacement compressor at a flea market. If you opt for one of these, make sure it’s bolted to the concrete base, and that you use a high quality, pick-proof lock that’s also resistant to bolt cutters.
Alarm
Installing an alarm is one of the better solutions for protecting your unit. There are various types of alarms, from low tech and inexpensive to more complex and costly. Affixing a sticker for a fake alarm company to the unit is another low-cost option.
Lighting and Motion Sensors
Motion-sensing lights or alarms that go off when there’s activity near the A/C may thwart thieves.
Conceal It
If your A/C is located in the front or side yard and is easily accessible from the street, you might pay to have it moved, or else think about how to conceal it. While planting shrubs around it will only offer cover for thieves, erecting a tall (high enough to deter climbing), wooden-paneled fence around your yard may be helpful. Erecting a similar high wooden barrier around the unit so the A/C is not visible to passersby might also work. If you choose the latter, make sure you leave enough room around the unit that airflow is not impeded.
For more on how to secure the outdoor component of your HVAC system, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain, Elyria, Oberlin and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC system components and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area