Here are some of the more frequently asked questions from our customers. If the answer to your question is not here, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why should I purchase protection for my Air Conditioner?
Protecting your property from criminals could save you thousands of dollars. To put it in perspective may we suggest the following:
1. Educate yourself on the rapidly increasing epidemic of copper theft.
2. Do not assume you are not a target.
3. Consider the unfortunate situation of being without Air Conditioning.
4. Contact a local Air Conditioner company and inquire how much a replacement A/C unit would cost.
5. Calculate the Cost of replacement VS the Cost of Protection.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER: Residential and commercial Air Conditioners are now being manufactured with a new ozone friendly R410A refrigerant. Sounds Great doesn’t it? However, if your unit is older than a couple years, the inside portion of your Air Conditioning system may not work with a new outside condenser. What does that mean? Simple. If your outside A/C unit gets stolen and a new R410A unit is required, you may be forced to replace both the inside and the outside unit. Now the $50 bucks the crook just made will potentially cost you over $5000.
How do I know what size I need?
Ordering is as easy as 1,2,3.
Please refer to our easy to use order forms.
1. Measure the width, depth, and height of your condensing unit.
2. Measure the condenser pad and determine what material it is made out of.
3. Determine what size is appropriate and contact us.
Is installation difficult?
No. The installation process is simple in most instances. However, since no two scenarios are the same, some installations may require some slight modifications.
I have heard of electronic theft deterrent devices for A/C units, why the Cage?
While there are electronic sirens that are sold to help deter A/C theft, our position is stopping the theft, not catching the thief. When a thief is scouting out a potential victim for theft, our goal is to have you ruled out completely rather than to have them find out there is protection after damage has occurred. The cage is a visible warning that says, “You’re going to work for this one!” An alarm sounding in a secluded area draws little attention and the auto-dialer option is only as effective as the nearest person who has been informed. Please remember, it takes just minutes to destroy or remove your unit. We have sold alarms before and think they are most effective when used with a cage.
My condenser pad is plastic, now what?
We recommend either replacing your pad or ordering a cage a size larger than your unit and pad to allow enough room to mount into the ground. Plastic condenser pads are popular and plenty durable for supporting the condenser, however, we feel that fastening your Condenser Cage to a plastic pad would compromise the security of your air conditioner.
What if I don’t have much of a condenser pad at all?
Like with plastic condenser pads, we recommend either relacing your pad or ordering a cage the next size larger than your unit and pad to allow enough room to mount into the ground. We also fabricate brackets that fasten to the wall. You can see some examples of this in our product gallery.
The cage doesn’t fit properly because it is hitting the copper going into my A/C unit at the bottom.
Our cages, in most instances, give adequate clearance for copper lines. Approximately 12” on square tube models and a open notched corner on expanded metal models. Occasionally, the copper going into the A/C unit is either higher than standard or just plain in the way. In a case such as this, some adjustments may be necessary.
The electrical power going into my A/C unit is in the way.
This is a common situation on square tube models but also the most potentially DANGEROUS!The electrical power will have to be turned off, disconnected, fed through the cage, then reconnected. This takes about 5 minutes to do, but because of safety concerns, Property Armor strongly recommends having a professional or someone familiar with electricity to assist with this step if necessary.
What do I bolt my Condenser Cage to the concrete with?
We sell an installation kit with the bolts you would typically need for installation. If you DIY, we recommend using a sleeve anchor or wedge anchor. TIP- To keep an un-authorized person from un-bolting your Condenser Cage, we recommend using our security fasteners. Please refer to the installation tips portion of our resources section.
How do I install my cage in the ground?
If you are using one of adjustable models, assemble it completely before attempting to install it. Measure the distance between the Cage legs and dig 4 holes in the ground approximately 16-20” deep and 4-6” round. Install 4 ground anchors (Sold with installation kit). With assistance, lift the cage over the unit and lower into holes. Level the Cage both directions adding or removing dirt in holes as needed. Obtain some Quickcrete (concrete), mix, and pour in the holes. Be careful not to allow the concrete to cover the fasteners which would prevent you from removing the cage for service. Do not try to install the X90 Cage un-assembled! Please refer to the installation tips portion of our resources section.
Can you make the Condenser Cage in a specific color?
Yes. There are color options available. Please contact us for details.
Will these cages show rust?
Eventually, yes. Steel begins to rust from the moment you expose it to the elements. This is especially significant where you have tubing inside tubing. Our products are primed and painted with a rust inhibitor black finish. We offer powder coating as well. Regardless of the process, the rate at which a painted product weathers is largely due to the environment in which it is subjected to. Products installed in a low rust environment would weather differently than a cage installed near the Beach. This is why we do not offer a warranty for the finish. We ultimately do not know where our products will end up. Some customers have asked about using aluminum to fabricate the cages due to the non-rust factor. The problem with that is two fold. First, the cage would cost more money and not be as strong. Second, you would be providing a thief extra incentive. Now the air conditioner AND the cage have scrap value!
Are these Cages theft proof?
No. In fact, I would be willing to say nothing is absolutely theft proof. However, we know that having a house alarm, car alarm, and barking dogs all help deter theft. A thief looking for a quick snatch and grab of your Air Conditioner has far too many unprotected ones that they would likely skip the protected unit in favor of another one close by. Think of this, if there were two bicycles in front of a department store and one was chained up and the other was not, which do you suppose would be the first one to be stolen? The one without a chain of course. This is NOT because a chain can't be cut, because it can. It is simply because it is the path of least resistance.
Do you offer a Discount for Volume?
Yes. Large orders are eligible for a discount. Please contact us for details.
What is your freight policy?
Freight costs depend on the style of cage, quantity, and of course, your location. To get an accurate quote for shipping, we would need to know what you are getting and where it is going.
Do your products come with a warranty?
Yes. View our warranty here.
