Babyproofing: HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Systems

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

As soon as your babies start crawling, the entire house can seem like one enormous hazard!Your home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment can be especially stressful for parents to think about.

By following this guide, you can ensure your home’s critical systems are properly babyproofed for your complete reassurance.

Keep Fingers and Toes Out of HVAC Vents and Registers

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

• Secure registers: If your ground or vertical registers are prone to coming loose, secure them firmly with screws to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Add childproof vent covers: These employ a protective screen to block little things from dropping in without blocking airflow.

Install Your Home’s Thermostat Out of Reach

Little ones are captivated by buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an inviting plaything. Use these tips to stop unexpected temperature fluctuations in your residence:

• Move the thermostat up higher: Your thermostat should be set up at adult eye level. Avoid putting furniture near it that could tempt kids to climb up to try to access it.
• Use child-lock functions in the controls: Some thermostats come with child-lock capabilities to keep anyone from fiddling with the settings. If yours doesn’t have this feature, think about installing a thermostat cover that prevents curious kids from changing the temperature.

Babyproof Utility Spaces

If your HVAC system units are positioned in the basement or utility closet, this is a key place to target for babyproofing. Young children shouldn’t be in these areas, so use these tips to keep them safe:

• Put on doorknob covers: If the utility space is enclosed, you have it easy. Simply put a childproof cover on the doorknob to stop 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 keep curious crawlers from getting near your furnace or water heater.
• Inspect the carbon monoxide detectors: Every house should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, especially if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, plug-in versions are simple for kids to reach. Think about installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for additional safety.

Prevent Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, heat sources aren’t restricted to the utility room. Here’s how to safeguard your child from hot surfaces:

• Set up heat guards: Arrange a basic baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heating units to create a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Avoid using space heaters: A well-maintained heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be no need to add a space heater to draw curious kids.

Prioritize Babyproofing Your Home’s Electrical System

Electricity is essential for modern living but poses safety hazards for kids. Here are ways to childproof your home’s electrical setup:

• Use 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 detach.
• Conceal or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a tugging and chewing hazard. Utilize cord concealers or tape them down next to the baseboards. Power strip covers are also helpful 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 firmly sealed and locked to prevent inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Follow These Plumbing Safety Tips

Babies adore water play. Make sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these babyproof tips for home plumbing and plumbing fixtures:

• Modify the water temperature: Dial down your water heater to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding at the tap. Just don’t go any cooler than this, or you might get microbial growth in the tank.
• Attach a faucet cover: Has your baby ever bumped their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an easy way to prevent this type of injury.
• Use toilet locks: Babies are often captivated with the toilet. A special lock deters little ones from reaching unsanitary water or throwing toys inside, which can lead to pipe clogs.

Schedule Mesa HVAC, Plumbing or Electrical Services with Sure Temp Air Conditioning

With these safety tips, you can be sure to create a secure environment for the whole family. At Sure Temp Air Conditioning, we’re proud to help parents safeguard their little ones with fast, dependable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Mesa. We are focusing on making a big difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Call 480-331-2940 today to reach our team. We’ll guarantee your home stays comfortable and secure for everyone.