Why are air conditioners commonly stolen?

Air conditioners contain valuable copper and aluminum components that can be quickly sold to scrap yards. While the resale value is small, replacing a stolen unit can cost thousands of dollars.

How do you prevent air conditioner theft?

You can prevent AC theft by installing a steel cage, locking the disconnect box, and adding motion-sensor lights or cameras. These steps deter thieves and make theft more difficult.

Are surveillance cameras effective in preventing AC theft?

Yes. Visible cameras and motion-activated lighting deter thieves and provide evidence if a theft occurs, making them highly effective prevention tools.

Can locking the disconnect box deter air conditioner theft?

Yes. Thieves often shut off power at the disconnect box before stealing an AC unit. Securing it with a lock makes theft slower and riskier.

Does GPS tracking help recover stolen air conditioning units?

Yes. GPS trackers can alert homeowners and authorities if a unit is moved, improving the chances of recovery and discouraging theft.

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5 Tips on Keeping Your Air Conditioner Out of the Hands of Thieves

Air Conditioning

With some of the hottest months of the year approaching, the worst thing to have happen would be to wake up one morning with no air conditioning because your unit was stolen right out from under you. Copper theft has become somewhat of an epidemic across the United States, and thieves are going after the metal anywhere they can find it. According to the American Supply Association, theft has gotten much worse in recent years. Air conditioners contain a large amount of usable copper and have become targets for copper thieves. Here are 5 tips for keeping your air conditioner out of the wrong hands:

Acquire an air conditioning cage.

A steel cage is one of the most effective ways to stop thieves. It is affordable, durable, and highly visible. The cage signals that your AC will be difficult to steal.

Buy an air conditioning alarm.

Air conditioning alarms, while more costly and less visible, are helpful if a homeowner wants to keep their air conditioner looking sleek and clean. Even if you don’t have an alarm system, posting stickers claiming that you do can also be a good way to ward off robbers.

Use a surveillance system.

Air conditioning alarms alert you if someone tampers with your unit. Even without an alarm system, stickers that claim you have one can scare away intruders.

Deny easy access.

If you have the option to elevate your unit or move it to a less visible location, you may want to do so. Even hiding your air conditioner behind bushes or behind a fence can be enough to thwart a thief.

Purchase an A/C Trax device.

Homeowners can now install A/C Trax GPS devices to their air conditioners, which keep track of your units location. If your unit is tampered with, the police are notified.

For more expert advice about air conditioner theft prevention or other home comfort needs, contact us at Air-Tro Inc. We’ve been happily serving California since 1969.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Monrovia, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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5 Tips on Keeping Your Air Conditioner Out of the Hands of Thieves