Sad but True...

Unfortunately there has been an increase in copper-tubing and steel parts stolen from air conditioning units. What can you do to protect yourself?

While copper prices aren't as high this year (compared to the relative spike last year) some of our customers who have had to replace their units due to theft.

For about $25 worth of copper, it can cost you around $3,000 to repair.

In cases where the copper has been stolen, we usually just recommend replacing the unit rather than paying for costly repairs of the old unit. Read more about this problem... The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News put out this article where an entire rooftop was stolen from a business. Thankfully, most homeowners don't need to worry about this much damage. This story takes place in Oklahoma and shows how little success police are having in tracking down copper thieves. http://www.achrnews.com/Articles/Cover_Story/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000106822 One of the 'problem' locations experiencing high numbers of thefts is Oklahoma. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070504_1_A14_spanc47218 One online newspaper offers some simple solutions you can do at your own home to at least make it more difficult to steal your unit. These are pretty easy to do/find at a hardware store and cheaper than alternatives (of cages etc. that I will discuss below). Worth a try, especially in California if you're interested. Another option for protection is through cages - specially made for your air conditioning unit. There are a couple of companies offering cages (for one in your area contact your hvac contractor). The two mentioned below are just examples. http://www.accage.net/ operates out of Florida and creates a cage with a lock around the unit. If you are looking for a more - barred look try

http://www.mr-locks.com/products/147/Air_Conditioners_Cage_Gates/ Other companies just make a 'cage' out of wire fencing in the hopes that while it is not impossible to steal the copper that thieves will find an easier target.