Having kids changes everything—at least, that’s what parents love to tell people who don’t have kids. And like so many generalizations, there’s some truth to this. Some of the most dramatic changes involve your home and your possessions: baby-proofing, putting things on higher shelves, and even packing breakables away for a few years, which are all common sense to parents.
One of the most costly and important things you have in your home is your HVAC system. You can’t live without it, and you don’t want to have to replace it early due to damage. And yes, kids can cause damage to your HVAC system or hurt themselves with it. How can you prevent that? Here are our top recommendations. If you have any questions about HVAC safety or need maintenance and repair for your AC or heating in Boston, MA, don’t hesitate to ask.
1: Regular Maintenance
We talk about this all the time, but maintenance is the best thing you can do for your HVAC system—or for that matter, for other systems and appliances in your home, like your water heater, sump pump, or garbage disposal. Your maintenance technician will keep your HVAC system in good condition, and most importantly, they’ll ensure that it’s operating as safely as possible.
Furthermore, when your technician is looking at the system, and the layout of your home, they’ll be in the best position to give you recommendations. This includes pointers about upkeep, and also how to childproof most effectively.
2: Consider Your Vent Covers
There are many options available these days for vent covers. Are yours loose, with easily-accessible screws and sharp edges? Would it be easy for a teething toy or action figure to be crammed inside? You’re not stuck with the vent covers that came with your home. Some options are plastic. Some attach without screws. Do some research and see what would work best for you.
3: Secure Wires
Cords, plugs, and outlets are all very intriguing to small explorers, but electricity is extremely hazardous. Fortunately, there are great childproofing options available that can keep little fingers—and your HVAC system—safe.
4: Lock Your Thermostat
Have you heard of thermostat locks? There are both mechanical and electrical models that can be used to make sure nobody adjusts the settings without adult permission. These can be purchased at large home-repair stores or online.
5: Fence Your Outdoor Unit
If your kids have access to the part of your yard where the outdoor unit is located, you need to keep the unit and the kids safe from one another. During the summer, the outdoor unit can get hot as that’s where the condenser coils release the heat that was absorbed from your home by the evaporator coils. And damage to the coils or fins can lead to expensive repairs.
To put a fence around the outdoor unit, consider that it should be at least three feet from the unit itself on all sides, the design of the fence should be open enough to allow for airflow, and your maintenance technician will still need to be able to access the unit. This fence is a great plan for families with dogs as well because dogs marking their territory on outdoor units leads to severe corrosion.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. to speak with qualified heating experts.
