Stop Copper Thieves From Stealing Your AC Unit (14 Tips)

Copper Thief

The more defensive mechanisms created to prevent the loss of an outdoor air conditioner or heat pump, the greater chance home owners will have of saving their units from theft. Every little deterrent adds up to a thief skipping your HVAC equipment and going to the next unit that’s easier to steal.

As copper prices fluctuate so does the theft of copper. It’s been called an epidemic and the theft is not limited to air conditioners and heat pumps. Wire and plumbing is ripped out of homes and businesses both existing and new construction.

Anything you can do to stop copper thieves will save lots of heart ache and misery that these thieves will inflect upon those who do nothing.

A quick update. Today is March 4th, 2022 and copper prices are getting very close to five bucks a pound. Currently I’m looking at $4.90 per pound. It’s becoming increasingly enticing for dishonest persons to take advantage of the innocent home and business owner.

1. Put A Lock On The Outdoor Units Power Disconnect

A very simple idea, but thieves freak out over electricity just like a lot of other people. If they can’t reach into this disconnect to turn off the power then they may think twice before stealing your unit. True, the lock can be broken off, but add this to a few other deterrents and it builds up a stronger defense.

There are a variety of disconnects, some have rather flimsy locking devices, but adding a lock is simple. Be sure the key is accessible to an HVAC service technician or you could get billed for a call back if she or he needs to turn off the power.

Of course there is a breaker in the main panel but you’re adding time to a service call if the tech can’t turn the power on and off at the unit. And it is code in most places to have a usable disconnect within a comfortable distance from a unit.

2. Install An Air Conditioner Security Cage With Locks

A very simple straight forward device to thwart the robber in his tracks. When copper thieves see this cage they immediately know that time is not on their side and they will leave you alone and pick on the next victim.

These anti theft cages, in some cases, will merely slow a thief down in the process of stealing your equipment. Take a look at this one here on Amazon (ad) and see what you think. There are several types available at various prices.

These cages work for either an air conditioner or a heat pump. Be sure the dimensions fit your unit and read the return policy in case it doesn’t fit. Service technicians will not necessarily love you for having one of these cages, especially if the keys are hard to find.

3. You Can Anchor An AC Unit To A Concrete Pad

The methods have changed somewhat with restrictions put upon the scrap metal recyclers. If the metal recycling outfits are honest then they have to purchase copper from legitimate businesses and not the barney off the street with a bundle of copper in his trunk.

So instead of stealing the copper out of the ac unit, now the process is to quietly approach the unit, disconnect the power and then snip the copper lines attaching the unit to the system, dumping all that ozone depleting freon into the atmosphere and take the entire unit all in about 4 minutes.

If they know the cost of that refrigerant then these thieves may know enough to close the valves that isolate the gas into the outdoor unit and only dump the Freon that is in the copper lines going into the house. But that takes time.

Freon (frē´ŏn) [trade name], any one of a special class of chemical compounds that are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and solvents. 

encyclopedia.com

The resale value of a used heat pump apparently exceeds the value of the copper that can be ripped away from the unit and it takes less time to carry the whole thing away.

If your AC is setting on a concrete pad, preferably a concrete patio then turn off the power and pull the top of the unit off. There could be holes in the bottom of the unit already. If not, carefully put a half inch or so block of wood under the AC (don’t put a strain on the copper lines and create a leak) and drill some holes to match your anchors.

4. Install Lighting With Motion Detection

A controversial subject. Some say that theft is less likely in lighted areas. Others say that it gives the thief an edge because he can see better and doesn’t have to carry a light. Wonder if those that think that have ever heard of head lamps.

One report suggested that half of most crimes are committed in the daylight.

Perhaps a strobe light would attract some neighbors and actually irritate a criminal.

5. Buy A Security System Or Add To The One You Have

I live in a fairly low crime area. At least we haven’t been picked on much. The car got keyed several years ago, but that’s about it. So, I’ve never really been interested in a security system.

But, I did some research and with all the new devices it’s tempting to try one of those systems that have two way talk and alerts to your phone. I especially like the one being advertised lately that requires no contract. I’m just a little technology shy.

6. Keep All Gates Locked That Would Secure An AC Unit

Just common sense and another barrier for the junkies to cross. Do you think they’ll bust through a locked gate or jump over the fence to steel an air conditioner? And how would they carry it out?

It’s also obvious that you may have a fenced backyard and an AC unit on the side of the house or in the front. In that case get the cage.

7. Have A Dedicated Alarm For Theft Of An Outdoor Unit

After doing some research I discovered a few potential alarm systems to consider. None seem to have any extensive reviews, but copper theft cycles with the price of copper at the recycle centers.

  • Warning Watchdog Air Conditioner Alarm System
  • Through Amazon Linear Copper Cop Air Conditioning Protection System
  • Call your local security company

8. GPS Tracking Installed On The Unit

This is an idea that’s been battered around on the internet, but so far none have surfaced that don’t come with a monthly contract and they seem a little expensive when considering all the other ideas that seem viable.

This GPS tracking would be very similar to what vehicles are tracked with and those are not cheap. Maybe something will surface and we can update this post.

9. Remove Landscaping Around Outdoor Unit

Two reasons for clearing the area around an air conditioner or heat pump. The main reason we are talking about here is to not give AC thieves anywhere to hide while conducting their business.

The other is condensing units need lots of air to work efficiently.

10. Have A Sign Posted “AC Protected By Alarm”

Make sure your signs look authentic. Burglars may be stupid for stealing air conditioners, but they know a fake sign when they see one.

If your choice of sign resembles a big name security company be careful about infringing on a companies trademark or name.

Along this same idea you could add fake security cameras.

microdots on the copper tubing Police in some areas also recommend using spray paint, engraving or other ways to distinctively mark the copper tubing in your unit so that thieves will have a much more difficult time selling it.

11. Paint All Accessible Copper In Your Outdoor Unit

Be careful, wear gloves and turn off the power.

Get an extra hand and have them assist you to hold the top of the AC after you remove it from the unit. It will be attached by the wires to the motor and will be easier for a helper to hold while you paint the copper inside the condensing unit.

Use a bright neon paint that will be easy to spot. That brightly colored copper may also be a deterrent for a would be thief.

12. Get Some Tamper Proof Screws

Anything to slow down the adversary. These tamper proof screws can be use to secure a few strategic positions on the AC unit to slightly discourage a theft.

Search Google for tamper proof screws under images will show a huge selection.

I remember for years how ticked off I’d sort of get when opening a disconnect that had come loose from a wall and finding what electricians love to use, those screws you need a square headed screw driver to tighten.

It created an extra trip to the van because that square headed driver wasn’t with me. I have a very universal screwdriver now that handles almost all my challenges.

13. Encourage A Neighborhood Watch In Your Area

Neighborhood Watch began in 1972 with funding that has been discontinued. But the movement is still alive and has some very good success.

From there website neighborhoods can learn to develop strong bonds to unite against crime.

Our nation is built on the strength of our citizens. Every day, we encounter situations calling upon us to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Not only does neighborhood watch allow citizens to help in the fight against crime, it is also an opportunity for communities to bond through service.

NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

14. Have A Big Loud Dog

Even a little loud dog can scare copper thief or make them think twice about neighbors being alerted. But if you are serious about having a dog for protection of yourself, your family and property, then picking the right breed is very important.

Some of the best breeds for protection are:

Bullmastiff
Doberman pinscher
Giant schnauzer
Akita
German shepherd
Staffordshire bull terrier
Rottweiler
Puli
Rhodesian ridgeback

rover.com

We don’t own a dog. From past experience of having dogs we recognize how much of an investment in time, money, and inconvenience animals can be. It just doesn’t fit our life style, and it may not be yours at the moment to own and properly care for pets especially a big dog.

It seems inhumane to just get a dog and park it in the back yard to guard the AC unit. Dogs can be very sensitive to sounds outside the home when kept inside with the family though.

Chad Peterson

Chad Peterson is a veteran of the HVAC industry since 1977. "I like to explain heating and air conditioning problems in a way the average home owner can understand. "

Recent Posts