How to Babyproof Your Furnace, Air Conditioner and Electrical Systems

For any guardian, absolutely nothing is more important than keeping your baby’s well-being.

When your little ones start crawling, your home can seem like one enormous hazard!Your home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment can be particularly worrisome.

With this comprehensive guide, you can take steps to make sure your home’s critical systems are thoroughly babyproofed for your peace of mind.

Babyproof Your Home’s HVAC Vents and Registers

Air vent covers that shield the air vents throughout your home are frequently irresistible hazards for tiny fingers and toes. Here’s how to make them safe:

• Screw down registers: If your ground or vertical registers pop out, secure them firmly with screws to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Cover registers with childproof vent covers: These utilize a protective screen to prevent tiny items from entering without restricting airflow.

Install Your Home’s Thermostat Out of Reach

Children are captivated by buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an alluring plaything. Follow these tips to prevent unexpected temperature fluctuations in your residence:

• Place the thermostat up higher: A home thermostat should be set up at adult eye level. Don’t position furniture near it that could encourage kids to climb up to investigate.
• Use child-lock functions in the controls: Some thermostats include child-lock capabilities to stop anyone from adjusting the settings. If yours doesn’t have this feature, think about installing a thermostat cover that stops curious kids from changing the temperature.

Keep Baby Out of the Utility Closet

If your HVAC system units are located in the basement or utility closet, this is a prime spot for babyproofing. Little ones shouldn’t be in these areas, so use these tips to keep them safe:

• Put on doorknob covers: If the utility closet is contained, you have it easy. Just place a childproof cover on the doorknob to stop your kids from opening the furnace room door.
• Install a safety gate: If your HVAC equipment is in an open area, set up a safety gate to block curious crawlers from getting too close to your furnace or water heater.
• Keep tabs on the carbon monoxide detectors: Every house should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level, especially if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, electrical versions are simple for kids to reach. An alternative is installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for optimal safety.

Avoid Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, burn threats aren’t confined to the utility room. Here’s how to protect your child from hot surfaces:

• Set up heat guards: Place a simple baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heaters to form a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Avoid using space heaters: A correctly adjusted heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be no necessity to add a space heater to entice curious kids.

Make Sure Children Are Protected from Electric Equipment and Wiring

Electricity is vital for modern life but creates safety hazards for kids. Here are tips for how you can secure your home’s electrical setup:

• Install outlet covers: Building code mandates new receptacles to be tamper resistant. If you have older outlets, you can retrofit them with outlet covers. Choose sliding covers instead of the plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes remove.
• Hide or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a pulling and chewing hazard. Employ cord concealers or tape them down next to the baseboards. Power strip covers are also beneficial for keeping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Lock up your home’s electrical panel: If your electrical panel is within reach, be sure it’s tightly shut and locked to deter inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Take Advantage of These Plumbing Safety Tips

Infants really enjoy water play. Make sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these childproof tips for plumbing systems:

• Adjust the water temperature: Dial down your water heater to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding at the tap. Just refrain from setting it at a temperature any cooler than this, or you could encourage microbial growth in the tank.
• Attach a faucet cover: Has your child ever bumped their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an simple way to stop this type of injury.
• Use toilet locks: Babies are often intrigued with the toilet. A special lock prevents little ones from getting into unsanitary water or tossing toys inside, which can lead to pipe clogs.

Trust Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing for HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Service in Phoenix

With these childproofing tips, you can be sure to create a protected environment for the whole family. At Hays Cooling, Heating & Plumbing, we’re honored to help parents protect their little ones with fast, reliable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Phoenix. We strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Contact 602-767-4891 today to reach our team. We’ll make certain your home stays comfortable and secure for everyone.