Is Your Air Conditioner Putting Your Home Security at Risk?

Even if you’re sure you’ve covered all the bases when it comes to protecting your home from theft and intruders, you’re still vulnerable if you missed air conditioner security risks. Air conditioners are increasingly essential in a warming world, and it’s rare to find a home that doesn’t have one. Few people who install one, however, consider the possibility that it could provide an entry point for a burglar, and even if it doesn’t, it could itself become the target of vandalism.

I’m guilty of this lack of foresight myself. Some years ago, I installed a window unit on the ground floor of my house without considering how easy it would be for someone to jimmy it out of the window and climb through the opening. Fortunately, the house was in a safe and friendly neighborhood, so nothing ever happened, but others may not be so lucky. Here, our experts explain the security risks associated with air conditioners and provide guidance on how to minimize them.

Is My Air Conditioner Impacting My Home’s Security?

“Yes, your air conditioner can affect your home’s security, but it depends on the type you have,” says HVAC pro David Lewis. It also depends, on where you install it, adds insurance expert Melanie Musson. A window unit in an upper-story window presents less risk than one in a ground-floor window. “The risk also varies widely by location,” says Musson. It increases with the potential for robberies and other crimes in the neighborhood.

Types of Air Conditioners & How They Impact Security

To do its job, an air conditioner must be able to exchange indoor and outdoor air, which requires a suitable opening in the wall. The easiest — and least secure — option is to use a window. Here are the air conditioner security risks associated with the three main types of air conditioners:

Window-mounted units

Window-mounted units are installed inside a window frame and are typically secured in place by the window sash. “Window-mounted AC units create the most obvious security risk because they’re designed to sit in an opening with minimal securing mechanisms,” warns plumbing and HVAC specialist Chris Hays. “Even window units with brackets can be jimmied open by burglars. Many types count on the weight of the window sash for security , and that just isn’t enough.”

The security risks are greatest for units installed in ground-floor windows, but even upper-story windows can be vulnerable if they are accessible from the roof or an adjacent building.

• How to reinforce: Hays recommends security measures, such as bars or locks, to secure ground-floor windows, especially those overlooking alleys. A security bar that wedges between the top of the sash and window frame and prevents the sash from moving costs about $15 (a scrap piece of wood will do the job, and it’s free). You can also install an inexpensive window alarm that alerts you when someone opens the window.

Portable Indoor units

A portable air conditioner is designed to sit inside the room it’s cooling, and it exhausts warm air outdoors through a 3- to 4-inch plastic vent. The vent comes with a cap that mounts on a window, and while you usually don’t need to open the window more than a foot to install it, that can be enough for an intruder. “You end up with the same security risks as with a window unit,” says Musson.

• How to reinforce: The problem is the same as it is with a window unit, and so are the remedies. Use a bar to prevent the sash from moving vertically or horizontally, depending on the type of window, and/or install a window alarm.

Central A/C units/Heat pumps

The compressor for a centralized air conditioning unit, a specialized type of heat pump, sits outdoors and exchanges air with the indoor cooling unit through a hose that carries refrigerant. The hose has to pass through the wall, but the opening is sealed, and even if it wasn’t, it would be too small for anyone to pass through. The main security risk is associated with the compressor itself.

“Outdoor units used in central air systems or ductless mini-splits don’t impact home access, but they can still be targets for copper theft,” says Lewis. Other parts of a compressor, such as pipe fittings and electrical controls, can also be attractive to thieves.

• How to reinforce: When installing a heat pump or central A/C unit, pay attention to the location of the compressor. “Place it in a sight line visible from within the home, and locate it away from any fence, so it isn’t hidden,” says Hays. In high-theft areas, consider installing a metal cage around the compressor and anchoring the cage to the compressor pad.

Minimizing Smart Air Conditioner Security Risks

Any A/C unit that can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi provides a doorway for cyber thieves to hack into your router and steal data. “Internet of Things (IoT) devices have a constant flow of sensitive data but often don’t get the same security protection as, say, a laptop,” warns security expert Aimee Simpson.

She recommends, at the very least, using a strong password on your A/C app and changing it often. Depending on the level of security you want, you can also segment your A/C system from your main network and enable two-factor authentication on the app. Be sure to check for and install firmware updates.

What Is the Most Secure A/C Configuration?

“If home security is a priority,” says Lewis, “your best option is a central air system or a ductless mini-split. They don’t leave any open windows or weak points and offer comfort without reducing safety.”

FAQs

Does having a window AC unit void my home insurance if I’m robbed?

“Having a window AC unit does not void your home insurance,” advises Musson. “Similarly, your home insurance is not voided if your front door is left unlocked. The fact that you increased your risk doesn’t change your coverage or make it okay for someone to break into your home. If someone does access your home because of a window AC unit, and you file a claim, you’ll face higher premiums. If it happens more than once, don’t be surprised if your insurer will not renew your coverage.”

Are the plastic “accordion” side panels on window units secure?

No. The plastic side panels that come with window A/C units may prevent drafts, but they won’t stop intruders from opening the window. The same goes for the side panels that come with the vent hoses for portable A/C units. “If you go with that route, get a window lock or a security bar,” says Lewis.

About the Experts

• David Lewis is the owner of Houston-based Mission AC and is a seasoned professional in the field of HVAC, plumbing and home services.
• Melanie Musson is a published insurance and finance expert who specializes in the auto industry, real estate, home security, consumer analyses, investing, and finance. She works at Clearsurance.
• Chris Hays is the owner of Local Roots AC and Plumbing, a trusted HVAC and plumbing service provider in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Aimee Simpson is the Director of Product Marketing at Huntress, where she oversees its Managed ITDR and Managed SAT solutions.

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