When you are expecting a new child, it might seem like there are endless things to babyproof and prepare. From locking up cleaning chemicals to making sure doors are secure, there is a lot to remember. So remembering to babyproof your HVAC system too might be at the bottom of the list. There are good reasons to do it, though, as your HVAC system can be dangerous to kids. Plus, it is relatively easy to babyproof your HVAC system. The main dangers with HVAC systems are sharp edges, hot surfaces, and electrical components. Once you have those protected, you can worry just a little less!
For more information on what you need to know to babyproof your HVAC system, connect with our St. Louis heating & air conditioning professionals, today!
Why Babyproof Your HVAC System?
The short answer is that you should babyproof your HVAC system because you should try to babyproof everything in your home. The slightly longer answer, though, is that babyproofing your HVAC system can help you mitigate the dangers listed above. Heating and cooling units do not pose much danger from afar, but they can be pretty attractive to curious children and invite dangerous investigation. So, the more you can do to make your HVAC system tamper-proof, the better.
One way to approach babyproofing your HVAC system is to look for anything that is movable, removable, loose, or sticking out. Then, you can secure and replace anything that could look like a toy or invite tampering that could be dangerous. In general, the more securely you can fasten vents, registers, and other HVAC components the better. This will go a long way towards keeping your kids safe, and it is also a good practice for an energy efficient HVAC system too.
Steps to Effective HVAC Babyproofing
Once you have the obvious out of the way, and have removed things that are sticking out, movable, or otherwise attractive to curious little hands, there are a few specifics to look out for when you babyproof your HVAC system. Metal vents and registers can be replaced with plastic if you are still worried about sharp edges after securing these down. This is an especially good idea if your metal vents are bent or have gaps that small fingers could get into and get cut.
Another area to pay close attention to is vents and ducts where a child could lose a toy. Putting a screen inside the vent can save you a lot of hassle from toys dropped into the vent. Simply cut a piece of vinyl window screen to the size of the vent and secure it under the vent cover. This will catch anything dropped, and will also prevent kids from sticking their fingers into the vent. Similarly, when babyproofing your HVAC system, you want to make sure there is no leaking ductwork that kids could try to put things into. You would be surprised how much fun it is to put toys inside of ducts!
The final tip to help babyproof your HVAC system is to make sure the outdoor unit is enclosed and cannot be easily accessed by a child. This is one of the most dangerous parts of your HVAC system and one that kids try to play with a lot. Because of this, when you are securing different parts of your HVAC system, pay special attention to the outdoor unit.
Learn More About Effective Babyproofing for HVAC Systems
If you have any further questions about babyproofing your HVAC system, or have any other heating & air conditioning inquiries for your St. Louis area home, give us a call today!
