When it comes to protecting valuables from theft, it’s natural to focus on the items inside your home. But you have valuables outside as well, and one thing you may not have considered is the high-value copper coils in your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser. These coils are attractive targets for copper thieves, but there are a number of ways to protect your A/C unit from theft.
Cage the Unit
Installing a cage around your air conditioner can help deter thieves simply by increasing the effort required to access the equipment. In many cases of theft, a visual deterrent is all that’s needed to make a thief choose an easier target. A cage can prevent more determined but less well equipped thieves from accessing the unit at all.
Install a Camera
Even the sight of a camera can send thieves on their way, especially when accompanied by signs. Make sure that your camera is installed high enough so that it can’t be accessed or attacked from the ground.
Use Motion Sensor Lights
Lights that illuminate the condenser will help you see any potential thieves and will work in conjunction with cameras to help catch identifying details of any intruders. A light can also startle a thief and send them packing.
Install a Refrigerant Alarm
Because thieves usually cut the refrigerant lines in order to get to the coils or remove the unit, a refrigerant alarm will sound in the event of theft. It can also alert you to an accidental refrigerant leak, and let you get it fixed before it impacts your home cooling.
Fence the Yard Around Your Cooling System
In addition to providing security, fences provide privacy. They can prevent nosy thieves from casing your home, as well as make it more difficult to access your property and carry out stolen goods.
If you’re curious about copper theft or you want to protect your A/C unit from theft, call us up at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning! We proudly serve homeowners in the the Lorain 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 A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area