If your home has a central cooling system or heat pump, you may want to protect your HVAC system from copper theft. The outdoor condenser contains copper tubing that can be recycled for cash. It takes just a few minutes for thieves to remove the outer cover from the condenser and rip the coils from the unit.
The value of the copper is miniscule compared to the financial impact on you. Unless the condenser is fairly new, you'll probably have to replace the entire system. The condenser must be compatible with the components inside the indoor blower, including the coil size and the refrigerant it uses. Mismatched components can void the warranty and the entire system will lose a good deal of its energy efficiency.
A number of ways exist to prevent copper theft, including:
- Caging it — Have a locking metal cage placed over the outdoor condenser. They're built to permit adequate airflow through the condenser, but can only be opened with a key. They're one of the best deterrents for copper theft from A/C condensers.
- Lighting it — Placing a motion detector near the condenser will automatically trigger a spotlight meant to discourage anyone from accessing the unit.
- Alarming it — Ask your HVAC professional about installing an alarm that will sound when the refrigerant pressure inside the condenser drops. You can use a sticker or sign on or near the outdoor unit for the HVAC system to warn intruders before they tear into it.
- Tying it into a security system — If you already have a security system, consider adding your condenser to it by using a motion detector or other device compatible with your current equipment.
- Recording it — Use a motion-sensing wireless camera to record the activity around the condenser. Be sure you place the sign or decal near the condenser to warn off burglars.
Taking any of these steps to protect your HVAC system helps you prevent the financial loss associated with this kind of theft. For help choosing your best option, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide top-notch HVAC services for Indianapolis-area homeowners.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about safeguarding your HVAC system components and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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