Someone stealing the copper wiring from your commercial HVAC system is probably not one of the first security issues that comes to mind as a business owner. However, as the price of recycled copper has gone from $1 per pound to an average of $3 per pound, copper theft has become an increasingly larger problem for businesses and homes.
According to the Department of Energy, copper thievery in the U.S. is a $1 billion dollar a year problem!
For example, here is a recent report of a Tulsa, Oklahoma shopping center that was left without air conditioning when copper thieves stole the copper wiring out of the air conditioning system. The shopping center had to close for a few days to await HVAC repairs.
And here is another story a little closer to home in the Metro Atlanta area of thieves stealing copper wires from dozens of homes. While copper theft may not be the first security concern on your mind, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your business.
How to Protect Your Commercial HVAC System from Theft
Here are some ideas for protecting your HVAC unit from theft and being stranded in the heat:
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- Fence and lock the area where your outdoor unit is stationed.
- Depending on the size and location of your business, hire a security guard to watch the property at night. If you’re a small business, maybe collaborate with surrounding businesses to hire a nighttime guard for the area.
- Install an alarm system or security cameras to scare thieves away. This can be expensive, but not as much as having to buy a whole new HVAC system!
- Have your unit installed with special screws that can only be removed by a special tool.
Hopefully, you will never be the victim of A/C wire copper theft at your business but if you are, or if you want to see what we can do to secure your system, contact our HVAC professionals to aid in any and all of your commercial heating and cooling needs.
For more information about us and general HVAC care, check out our online blog and knowledge center. Be proactive in keeping your business safe from theft!