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Are AC Units the Newest Target for Neighborhood Thieves?

hvac thief

Protect your HVAC system from unscrupulous folks

Some news items just make you want to shake your head. Something we heard the other day certainly fits this bill: Apparently, homeowners across Texas are waking up to find that thieves have stolen their HVAC systems in the night! It appears that a few homeowners have even caught these unscrupulous bandits in the act. Since cool air is a basic necessity during the long, hot Texas summer, you need to know how to protect your home from AC thieves.

They Steal WHAT?!

According to a recent news report, a family in the Houston suburb of Katy recently got an unpleasant surprise: They awoke to find that their entire air conditioning unit was missing. Although they were fortunate not to catch the potentially dangerous thieves in the act, they lamented the loss of an essential piece of residential equipment. Since AC units are heavy and have connections to pipes, ducts and other infrastructure, it’s likely that there were multiple bandits with heavy equipment and basic knowledge of HVAC equipment.

Why Thieves Take Air Conditioning Systems

Stealing an air conditioning unit can seem like a senseless crime, but modern systems do have enough copper inside to make them worth the trouble. Although it’s not quite as valuable, the coolant inside these systems can be sold on the “gray” market as well.

What You Can Do About It

The best way to protect yourself against AC thieves is to install a home security system as a deterrent. Motion-sensing floodlights are a safe, low-cost option that could alert you to a potential breach of your property and discourage thieves from trying their hand at your house. Other options include organizing a neighborhood watch program and setting up a protective barrier around your exterior air conditioning unit.

Find HVAC and Air Conditioning Service Solutions in Austin

When you buy an air conditioning system, the first thought on your mind probably has nothing to do with security. Unfortunately, it’s a sign of the world we live in that HVAC system protection needs to be an area of concern. At ABC Home & Commercial Services in Austin, we’re proud to offer a range of home security solutions for folks who want to protect their HVAC equipment for the next generation. Of course, we also provide comprehensive air conditioning service across the region. To learn more, call us at (512) 837-9500 or visit us online today!

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