As a new parent, you're no doubt looking forward to seeing your beautiful baby start to crawl and walk. Before then, you'll be busy getting the house ready so it's a safe environment for an active little one. When you're doing so, be sure to take the following steps to babyproof your HVAC system components that could be potentially harmful.
SECURE YOUR METAL VENT COVERS
HVAC vents situated down near the floor are enticing to a crawling baby, but if the metal covers get pulled out, there's a risk of bruises, bumps or serious eye injuries. To prevent this, screw all your register covers down securely.
INSTALL PLASTIC REGISTER COVERS INSTEAD
An alternative to babyproof your HVAC registers is switching to plastic covers. This type doesn't have sharp edges like metal covers do, so there's no danger of cuts to curious little fingers. Plus, you don't need to screw them down so you can still easily vacuum inside the vents.
SCREEN YOUR REGISTER OPENINGS
Youngsters seem to love dropping small toys down onto metal ducting, but it can be impossible to get them back out. To avert any problems with toys stuck down the ductwork, cut vinyl screening material to size and attach it to the bottom of each vent cover.
PUT HVAC REMOTES AWAY
Remotes like the ones for a thermostat or mini-split have batteries that are easily swallowed. Since babies explore taste and texture by putting everything in their mouths, and batteries can cause serious internal burns, it's wise to store remotes up high or in a secure drawer.
MAKE THE OUTDOOR UNIT INACCESSIBLE
Your HVAC system's outdoor unit poses significant danger to a curious child, with its sharp condenser fins, fast-spinning fan and live electrical components. Whether it's situated on the side of your home or in your backyard, you should secure it behind a fence or in a lockable cage to avoid any possible harm.
Visit our Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical website for in-depth information on most HVAC topics, or for more advice on how to babyproof your HVAC system, just give us a call at (408) 868-5500.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).