How to Babyproof Your Furnace, Air Conditioner and Electrical Systems

As a devoted guardian, absolutely nothing is more critical than keeping your baby’s safety.

Once your little ones start crawling, the entire house can seem like one enormous hazard!The HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are especially concerning.

By following this guide, you can ensure your home’s critical systems are properly babyproofed for your peace of mind.

Babyproof Your Home’s HVAC Vents and Registers

Air vent covers that protect the air vents throughout your home are often attractions for tiny fingers and toes. Here are ways to make them safe:

• Secure registers: If your ground or vertical registers are prone to coming loose, screw them in place to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Cover registers with childproof vent covers: These utilize a mesh safety barrier to prevent tiny items from entering without impeding airflow.

Install Your Home’s Thermostat Out of Reach

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

• Position the thermostat up higher: A home thermostat should be mounted at adult eye level. Don’t position furniture near it that could entice kids to climb up for a closer look.
• Use child-lock functions in the controls: Some thermostats have built-in child-lock functions to keep anyone from adjusting the settings. If yours lacks this feature, you may want to look into installing a thermostat cover that blocks curious kids from changing the temperature.

Babyproof Utility Spaces

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

• Put on doorknob covers: If the utility space is enclosed, you have it easy. All you have to do is put 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 next to your furnace or water heater.
• Check the carbon monoxide detectors: Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, particularly if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, electrical versions are accessible for kids to reach. Consider installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for additional safety.

Avoid Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, heating components aren’t limited to the utility room. Here’s how to protect your child from hot surfaces:

• Install heat guards: Place a simple baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heating units to create a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Steer clear of using space heaters: A well-maintained heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be little reason to add a space heater to draw curious kids.

Make Sure Children Are Protected from Electric Equipment and Wiring

Electricity is vital for modern homes but presents safety hazards for kids. Here are tips for how you can babyproof your home’s electrical setup:

• Install outlet covers: Building code requires new receptacles to be tamper resistant. If you have older outlets, you can retrofit them with outlet covers. It’s a good idea to go for sliding covers instead of the plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes remove.
• Conceal or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a pulling and chewing hazard. Utilize cord concealers or tape them down next to the baseboards. Power strip covers are also beneficial for stopping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Make sure your electrical panel is locked: If your electrical panel is within reach, be sure it’s securely closed and locked to deter inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Use These Plumbing Safety Tips

Babies adore water play. Be Sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these safety tips for plumbing:

• Adjust the water temperature: Configure your water heater to 120 degrees F to stop scalding at the tap. Just avoid going any cooler than this, or you risk microbial growth in the tank.
• Install a faucet cover: Has your baby ever bumped their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an easy way to avoid this type of injury.
• Buy toilet locks: Toddlers are often captivated with the toilet. A special lock stops little ones from getting into unsanitary water or throwing toys inside, which can lead to pipe clogs.

Schedule Frederick HVAC, Plumbing or Electrical Services with Wyant Heating & Air

With these childproofing tips, you can confidently create a protected environment for the whole family. At Wyant Heating & Air, we’re honored to help parents protect their little ones with fast, trustworthy HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Frederick. We strive to make a big difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Dial 301-327-1038 today to connect with our team. We’ll guarantee your home continues to be comfortable and secure for everyone.