Keep Baby Safe: Babyproofing Tips for Home HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing

As a devoted caregiver, absolutely nothing is more critical than keeping your baby’s well-being.

Once your little ones start crawling, the entire house can seem like one massive hazard!The HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems are especially stressful for parents to think about.

With this comprehensive guide, you can take steps to make sure your home’s essential systems are adequately babyproofed for your peace of mind.

Babyproof Your Home’s HVAC Vents and Registers

Air vent covers that protect the air vents throughout your home are often attractions for tiny fingers and toes. Here are ways to make them safe:

• Fasten down your registers: If your base or side registers easily detach, secure them firmly with screws to ensure they’re not going anywhere.
• Install childproof vent covers: These use a protective screen to prevent tiny items from entering without impeding airflow.

Install Your Home’s Thermostat Out of Reach

Children are captivated by buttons and screens, so the thermostat is a tempting plaything. Follow these tips to prevent unauthorized temperature changes in your residence:

• Place the thermostat up higher: A home thermostat should be installed at adult eye level. Refrain from placing furniture near it that could tempt kids to climb up for a closer look.
• Lock the controls: Some thermostats include child-lock functions to stop anyone from fiddling with the settings. If yours is missing this feature, consider installing a thermostat cover that blocks 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 key place for babyproofing. Little ones shouldn’t be in these rooms, so implement these tips to keep them safe:

• Install doorknob covers: If the utility area is in a closed-off area or separate room, you have it easy. Just attach 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, use a safety gate to prevent curious crawlers from getting too close to your furnace or water heater.
• Check the carbon monoxide detectors: Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor, especially if you have gas appliances. Unfortunately, socket versions are accessible for kids to reach. Consider installing combination CO/smoke detectors or alarms on the ceiling for maximum safety.

Protect Your Child from the Dangers of Hot Surface Burns

In many homes, heating components aren’t confined to the utility room. Here’s how to protect your child from hot surfaces:

• Implement heat guards: Position a straightforward baby gate or specially designed heat guard around radiators 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 necessity to add a space heater to entice curious kids.

Prioritize Babyproofing Your Home’s Electrical System

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

• Use 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 instead of the plug-in style, which toddlers can sometimes dislodge.
• Hide or tape down cords: Exposed cords are a pulling and chewing hazard. Employ cord concealers or tape them down along the baseboards. Power strip covers are also useful for stopping little fingers from reaching the sockets.
• Keep the electrical panel locked: If your electrical panel is within reach, make sure it’s securely closed and locked to stop inquisitive kids from playing with it.

Follow These Plumbing Safety Tips

Toddlers really enjoy water play. Make sure they stay safe around your sinks, tubs and toilets with these childproof tips for home plumbing and plumbing fixtures:

• Lower the water temperature: Set 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.
• Attach a faucet cover: Has your infant ever hit their head on the bathtub faucet? Soft, rubberized covers are an easy way to prevent this type of injury.
• Implement toilet locks: Toddlers are often fascinated with the toilet. A special lock stops little ones from accessing unsanitary water or dropping toys inside, which can cause pipe clogs.

Partner with Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing for Your Home HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical in Phoenix

With these childproofing tips, you can be sure to create a protected environment for the whole family. At Canyon State Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing, we’re honored to help parents protect their little ones with quick, reliable HVAC, plumbing and electrical service in Phoenix. We are focusing on making a meaningful difference in the lives of every customer we serve.

Contact 602-649-6304 today to reach our team. We’ll guarantee your home continues to be comfortable and secure for everyone.