Protecting Your AC Unit From Potential Theft

There are a few forms of protection to certain components of your HVAC system that you may not have fully considered, and a great example here is theft protection for your outdoor AC unit. As the only primary component of a standard HVAC system that sits outside the home, the outdoor AC unit may be susceptible to theft by unscrupulous individuals who wish to profit dishonestly – but this can also be easily enough prevented with the right precautions.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re happy to offer a wide range of quality air conditioning repairs and related services to clients around Sandy, Draper and nearby areas. Why is it valuable to take a few basic steps to protect your AC unit from theft risks, and how should you go about this – either on your own or with our team’s help wherever necessary? Here are some basics.

Why Air Conditioner Unit Theft Happens

As we alluded to above, the outdoor AC unit is one of the most attractive targets when it comes to theft – often because the components inside may be worth a good amount of cash, even if they are stolen. Additionally, many AC units are simply not well secured against theft, making them all too easy for potential thieves to make off with either total units or certain parts.

Between these two factors, air conditioner unit theft is unfortunately a real issue – one that you should consider and prepare for, wherever possible. Luckily, doing so is not challenging – our upcoming sections will go over some basic tips.

Gate and Entryway Locking

For most homes, the AC unit will be located in a backyard or some other space that’s behind a gate and/or an entryway of some kind. This means that it’s especially important to lock any gates, doors or other entries into the space where your AC unit is located – this creates a physical barrier that makes it harder for thieves to get away with your property.

You might be thinking: A simple gate won’t stop a determined thief! And you’re right – but every different layer of protection you add makes it incrementally harder for a thief, as well as making your particular property less attractive to them.

Security Cameras and Lighting

If you have the budget, why not consider investing in one or more security cameras around your home? This can be especially useful if the outdoor AC unit is located near an open entry way – by installing a security camera in this area, you are deterring potential thieves from attempting to steal your property. And if they do try, you’ll have some valuable evidence that can be used by law enforcement.

Lighting is another effective deterrent for theft around the home – either install motion-activated lighting or other outdoor lights near where your air conditioning unit is located. This can also be combined with audible alarms, further increasing the potential deterrent.

Wire Fencing

If you live in an area that’s seen these kinds of thefts in the past, or if you just want to be especially precautious, you may want to look into wire fencing around the space where your AC unit is located. This will add a physical barrier that’s difficult for thieves to get through – all while maintaining an attractive appearance in your backyard or other outdoor area.

This kind of barrier also has additional benefits, such as helping keep vegetation from growing around the AC unit and clogging up its works.

Professional Theft Protection Services

Finally, you may want to consider a professional theft protection service for your AC unit. These services are typically offered by home security companies, and they feature advanced deterrents such as GPS tracking of stolen components or even remote disabling of the system to prevent use in case of theft.

These kinds of devices have improved significantly in their quality in the last few years, and they can be an effective part of any air conditioning theft prevention strategy. If you’re particularly worried, consider talking to your local security company about the options available.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we understand how important it is to protect your HVAC system against theft – and that’s why our experienced technicians can help you take necessary precautions to keep your outdoor AC unit safe from unscrupulous individuals. Contact us today for more information on our services, or to schedule an appointment for HVAC solutions around Sandy, Draper and nearby areas.