Is someone stealing your Freon?

Whether it is double-checking all doors are locked in the evening before you go to bed, or getting an alarm system, as a homeowner, you take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family. The same needs to happen with your air conditioner. Theft of Freon is a growing trend and people are getting it from air conditioners.

In recent news, an Atlanta based man caught a group of teenagers inhaling Freon from his air conditioner unit. For the last three years, Herman Lorenz, was spending close to $400 every time he had to fix his unit, until one afternoon, when he just happened to be home. Hearing a strange noise in his backyard, Lorenz went to investigate and found four teenagers standing around his unit, inhaling his Freon. “One was laying down this way, one was over the top of the air conditioner,” he said, pointing to the unit. “I don’t know whether they’re just breathing it in or if they’re actually trying to get directly into the valve.”

Although Precision Air & Plumbing has not gotten many calls in regards to this issue, it is a growing trend and one for concern. Not only are the health effects astronomical, but also are the dangers of having strangers on your property that are not in the right frame of mind.

In the event that you have to have your Freon refilled more often, check to see if you have any leaks. If there are no leaks, it’s safe to assume someone is using your Freon. There are new caps designed

to cover air conditioner valves these caps can only be removed with a key. This new locking cap was designed to prevent this type of theft from occurring.

At Precision Air & Plumbing, we know the importance of keeping your family safe and comfortable. If at any time, you feel as if someone is using your Freon, or if you have questions in regards to checking your Freon levels, or purchasing the new locking caps, please feel free to give us a call.