AC unit stolen. At what point does a mini split make more sense?

[David S.]

Hey all, 

We closed on a property in Wichita on which we offered a two week lease back to sweeten the deal for the seller. They moved out a few days early and in that window of time somebody stole the AC unit, including the A exchanger or whatever it’s called in the furnace. Cost to replace with an added security cage is between $5 and $6k. 
This is a 2 BR, 700 sq ft house… at a certain point it seems a mini split would be the wiser option. They cost a little less, and aren’t stolen as readily, and can be installed on a roof more easily.
Turns out this same thing has happened across the street to three different homes over the last year, so I’m really not interested in spending $5k on another system, cage or not. They already cut a lock to get to my last one and hauled it away to the front of the house, what’s another lock going to do to stop them? 
My other option is window units; I still have a perfectly good heater in the house; just need cooling. 
What can you say about mini splits? How many of you are only doing window units anymore because of these thefts and the cost of new AC systems? 
Need some advice please. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Four thefts of A/C in Wichita, Kansas? Sounds like the thief is local. You and the neighbors should consider setting up trail cams or some type of security to catch this guy in action.

Mini splits are nice and should be cheaper. Just one should be enough to cool that entire house. You could also use window systems, but I would be concerned about the lack of security in this neighborhood.