Children and HVAC, How to Have Both Without Losing Your Mind – Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & AC | Kitchener ON

Keeping your house safe should always be a priority, however, this takes new importance when you have kids in the home. Your HVAC system is one of many appliances that can pose a risk to children.

It just takes a few simple steps to protect your children and HVAC system. Here are some of our favorite ways to have rambunctious children and a working air system while maintaining your peace.

Invest in Vent Covers

The vents in your home are not only part of your HVAC system, but to a child they look like a fun place to stick fingers and toys. To avoid any potential injuries from curious poking or playing, install vent covers to keep them out.

To install a vent cover, follow these steps or contact an HVAC repair professional to assist with the job.

1. Lift the back of the vent to the ceiling and cover the open duct.
2. Grab your drill and make a hole in each corner of the ceiling for the screws to attach the vent cover.
3. Align the vent cover over the opening and drive the screws in.

Once covered and secure, you have created a solid barrier to keep children from playing in the vent. Double check that the vent can withstand some light pulling and prodding.

Install a Gate Around the Condenser

The outdoor unit of your AC unit is called the condenser. This large (usually dark gray or green) box can pose a hazard for children if they climb on it or stick fingers into it. In addition, kids can put toys into the condenser or damage it in other ways. Installing a gate or small fence around the condenser is a surefire way to keep out any children.

When you install the gate, always leave a space two or three feet of space on each side and a minimum of five feet from the top. Creating this safe space is a great way to ensure the area does not turn into a danger zone.

Keep the Thermostat Out of Reach

Thermostat buttons are enticing to little fingers, despite this they shouldn’t be touched! Children like to play with buttons, which can make your heating bills go way up. To avoid this, place your thermostat high up and out of reach of children.

A thermostat lock also keeps little ones from changing the temperature and possibly damaging your HVAC system from unnecessary and contact changes in the settings. Keep things safe and in working order with an easy-to-find thermostat lock, which can be found at any hardware or home improvement store.

Regularly Check and Change the Air Filter

The air filter in your furnace has a few very important jobs. First, it helps trap dust and other debris that could settle in your HVAC system. And second it stops dust, dander, and other indoor air contaminants from making it into your home.

Over time, your filter can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can impact your system’s efficiency, and even cause a fire. Your family’s health and safety will benefit from you checking and replacing your air filters on a regular basis.

This check-up is part of a recommended and regular HVAC maintenance. It is recommended to call an HVAC professional at least once a year to assess your system and make sure it’s operating efficiently and safely.

Cover any Exposed Radiators

Radiators may be a source of heat or air, but to your little ones, they can appear as the world’s most exciting jungle gym! Kill the curiosity before it ends in injury by placing a children’s gate around the radiator to protect the space. You can find a gate at any home improvement or family planning store.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

The best thing you can do for your furnace, and the entire HVAC system, is to schedule routine maintenance.

We recommend two visits per year. Once in the spring before it’s time to turn on the AC and once in the fall when temperatures start to dip.

You can catch minor issues early and prevent a possibly larger repair in the future and ensure your system is running as safely and efficiently as possible.

Schedule an appointment online or call your local HVAC company to schedule a tune-up.