Did you know that installing an unprotected heat pump or air conditioning unit can make your home a target for theft? HVAC units have valuable copper and components that are popular among thieves. Here are some practical ways of protecting your outdoor HVAC system components from theft.
Purchase a Cage
Specially designed cages are effective deterrents to theft because of their instant visibility. A solid steel cage around your outdoor system will make a thief think twice about trying to access it. A determined thief will also find it rough because it usually takes a long time to break through the cage.
Install an Alarm System
An alarm system will alert you when someone gains unauthorized access to your outdoor HVAC system components. The particular technology behind an alarm system varies from one company to another. Some systems sound if someone makes an attempt to move the HVAC unit. Other systems monitor special characteristics of the unit, such as the refrigerant line pressure. Such systems will sound if the refrigerant lines are tampered with.
Increase Outdoor Lighting
Thieves often prey on systems that are located in poorly lit areas. Increase the amount of lighting around your outdoor system by installing floodlights or motion detection lights that can be integrated into your alarm system.
Prevent Easy Access
You can also protect your unit from theft by reducing accessibility. For example, if your unit is located on the roof, don’t leave any ladders outside. Consider having an HVAC professional move your unit to an area that’s more visible and less accessible. Thieves usually target systems that are in secluded areas because they allow them to work more discreetly.
HVAC theft not only leaves you less comfortable but also makes you have to spend a significant amount of money on a new unit. Therefore, it’s important to take the steps above to avoid becoming a victim. For more useful tips on safeguarding your outdoor HVAC system components, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We’ve proudly served the Yuma area since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about protecting HVAC system components and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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