Babyproofing: HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Systems

To any loving caregiver, absolutely nothing is more essential than keeping your baby’s protection.

Once your little ones start crawling, the entire house can seem like one massive hazard!Your home’s HVAC, plumbing and electrical equipment can be particularly worrisome.

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

Secure HVAC Vents and Registers

HVAC registers that are installed in the air vents throughout your home are often irresistible hazards for tiny fingers and toes. Here are ways to protect your child:

• Screw down registers: If your ground or vertical registers easily detach, use screws to fasten them down to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Add childproof vent covers: These employ a protective screen to block little things from dropping in without restricting airflow.

Keep Small Hands Away from the Thermostat

Kids are captivated by buttons and screens, so the thermostat is an alluring plaything. Use these tips to prevent unexpected temperature fluctuations in your home:

• Place the thermostat out of reach: The thermostat should be set up at adult eye level. Avoid putting furniture near it that could tempt kids to climb up to investigate.
• Use child-lock functions in the controls: Some thermostats include child-lock functions to prevent anyone from adjusting the settings. If yours doesn’t have this feature, consider installing a thermostat cover that prevents curious kids from changing the temperature.

Lock Down Your Utility Room

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

• Add doorknob covers: If the utility closet is in a closed-off area or separate room, you have it easy. All you have to do is 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, set up a safety gate to keep curious crawlers from getting too close to your furnace or water heater.
• Keep tabs on the carbon monoxide detectors: Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, particularly if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, socket versions are simple for kids to reach. An alternative is installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for maximum safety.

Prevent Hot Surface Burns

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

• Implement heat guards: Position a basic baby gate or specially designed heat guard around heaters to establish a barrier between your child and hot surfaces.
• Avoid using space heaters: A correctly adjusted heating system should keep you comfortable in every room and there should be little reason to add a space heater to attract curious kids.

Prioritize Electrical Babyproofing

Electricity is vital for modern living but poses safety hazards for kids. Here’s how to secure your home’s electrical setup:

• Implement outlet covers: Building code mandates new receptacles to be tamper resistant. If you have older outlets, you can upgrade them with outlet covers. Use sliding covers rather than plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes detach.
• Hide or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a grabbing and chewing hazard. Use 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, make sure it’s firmly sealed and locked to prevent inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Take Advantage of These Plumbing Safety Tips

Toddlers love water play. Be Sure they remain protected around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these babyproof tips for plumbing systems:

• Adjust the water temperature: Set your water heater to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding at the tap. Just refrain from setting it at a temperature any cooler than this, or you risk microbial growth in the tank.
• Attach a faucet cover: Has your infant ever knocked their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an simple way to avoid this type of injury.
• Buy toilet locks: Babies are often intrigued with the toilet. A special lock deters little ones from reaching unsanitary water or tossing toys inside, which can lead to pipe clogs.

Partner with Freedom Heating & Cooling for Your Home HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical in Birmingham

With these childproofing tips, you can be sure to create a safe environment for the whole family. At Freedom Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to help parents protect their little ones with fast, reliable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Birmingham. We are dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Contact 205-537-9830 today to connect with our team. We’ll guarantee your home continues to be comfortable and secure for everyone.