How to Babyproof Your Furnace, Air Conditioner and Electrical Systems

For any parent, nothing is more important than ensuring your baby’s safety.

Once your infants start crawling, your whole living space can seem like one massive 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.

Keep Fingers and Toes Out of HVAC Vents and Registers

Air vent covers that shield the air vents throughout your home are frequently targets for tiny fingers and toes. Here’s how to ensure your child’s safety:

• Secure registers: If your ground or vertical registers easily detach, use screws to fasten them down to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Install childproof vent covers: These utilize a mesh safety barrier to block little things from dropping in without impeding airflow.

Make the Thermostat Inaccessible

Kids are drawn to buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an alluring plaything. Use these tips to stop unauthorized temperature changes in your residence:

• Place the thermostat out of reach: Your thermostat should be installed at adult eye level. Don’t position furniture near it that could tempt kids to climb up for a closer look.
• Use child-lock functions in the controls: Some thermostats include child-lock capabilities to keep anyone from adjusting the settings. If yours is missing this feature, you may want to look into installing a thermostat cover that stops curious kids from changing the temperature.

Babyproof Utility Spaces

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

• Put on doorknob covers: If the utility area is in a closed-off area or separate room, you have it easy. Simply place a childproof cover on the doorknob to deter your kids from opening the furnace room door.
• Use a safety gate: If your HVAC equipment is in an open area, position a safety gate to block curious crawlers from getting near your heating equipment or water heater.
• Keep tabs on the carbon monoxide detectors: Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, especially if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, electrical versions are accessible for kids to reach. Think about installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for additional safety.

Protect Your Child from the Dangers of Hot Surface Burns

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

• Implement heat guards: Place a basic baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heaters to create a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Refrain from using space heaters: A properly tuned heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be no necessity to add a space heater to draw curious kids.

Prioritize Electrical Babyproofing

Electricity is vital for modern life but presents safety hazards for kids. Here are tips for how you can childproof 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. Choose sliding covers rather than plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes detach.
• Tuck away or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a pulling and chewing hazard. Employ cord concealers or tape them down near the baseboards. Power strip covers are also helpful for stopping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Keep the electrical panel locked: If your electrical panel is within reach, it’s a good idea to be sure it’s tightly shut and locked to stop inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Follow These Plumbing Safety Tips

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

• Modify the water temperature: Dial down your water heater to 120 degrees F to stop 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.
• Install a faucet cover: Has your infant ever knocked their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an straightforward way to prevent this type of injury.
• Implement toilet locks: Toddlers 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 Arundel Cooling for HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Service in Linthicum Heights

With these childproofing tips, you can be sure to create a safe environment for the whole family. At Arundel Cooling, we’re honored to help parents safeguard their little ones with quick, reliable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Linthicum Heights. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Call 410-645-0939 today to reach our team. We’ll ensure your home continues to be comfortable and secure for everyone.