SAN ANTONIO – A new system designed to protect air-conditioning unit's copper piping is hitting the San Antonio market to good reviews from experts.
Copper Watcher, made in Bedford, Texas, is hooked up to the air condition unit at several points.
First, a sensor is connected to the power supply switch, typically the first thing removed when thieves strike.
Second, it's connected to the unit's refrigeration line. When the line is cut by thieves, the resulting loss in pressure triggers the sensor.
The alarm then goes off and police are alerted.
"I think this kind of system is going to become more and more popular here in San Antonio," said Joby Gray, a security expert and owner of Friendly Security.
Gray has used the Copper Watcher system and really liked the results.
The systems go for about $600 apiece.