HVAC

While HVAC systems are generally safe, they can pose a risk to curious children if not properly protected. It’s important to take proper precautions to keep your children, and HVAC system, safe and out of harm’s way. Here are a few easy-to-do HVAC safety tips that will keep your children safe and give you peace of mind for your family.

Routine HVAC Maintenance is Key

Any HVAC system needs routine maintenance to ensure it runs safely and efficiently. At JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, we recommend scheduling two tune-ups per year. One in the spring before it’s time to turn on the AC and one in the fall before you start using the furnace.

During a tune-up, one of our techs will clean and inspect every part of your HVAC system. This is so we can catch small problems before they become big headaches. The main goal of a tune-up is to ensure your system is safely working.

Install Vent Covers

Vent covers are a must if you have children in the home. A vent opening can look inviting to curious children as a hiding spot. A proper cover ensures there will be no hide-and-seek dangers or injuries in your home.

To install vent covers start by lifting the back of the vent and cover the open duct, take your drill, and create holes in the ceiling where the screws will go. Then, line up the vent cover over the opening and use your screwdriver to tightly fit each screw in.

Once the vent cover is attached, double-check to make sure it is secure. While this can be done on your own, an HVAC repair professional can also get the job done for you quickly and properly.

Keep Exposed Radiators Covered

An exposed radiator could look pretty inviting to a child who wants to play. An easy remedy to keep your little one away from the radiator is to place a fence around the unit.

A simple precaution like this means no more worrying about little hands and fingers getting caught in the radiator and eliminates their ability to access the area for climbing or play.

Lock the Thermostat

The best way to keep little fingers from pressing the enticing buttons on your thermostat is to purchase a lock for the unit. Constantly changing the temperature can cause your thermostat to stop working properly, leading to bigger issues.

Temperature changes can also impact your heating bill. A variety of locks can be found at any hardware or home improvement store to secure your thermostat. You should also install your thermostat higher on the wall which your children can’t reach.

Add a Gate Around the Condenser

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner is called the condenser and it’s one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. If you opt to keep the condenser out in the open with no surrounding protection, you risk the chance that children will use it as a play place to climb or put their fingers or anything else inside that can injure them or damage the unit.

A condenser gate is a simple solution that can protect your children and the condenser. Be sure to leave at least two or three feet of space on each side of the gate. You should also leave a minimum of five feet from the top.

Check Your Air Filter & Change Regularly

Changing your air filter is part of regular HVAC maintenance. We recommend changing your air filter twice per year. The air filter schedule usually runs alongside the tune-up schedule. Once in the spring after your furnace has been working hard and once in the fall when the temperatures start to dip.

If you live in a high-dust area or near construction, you may need to change your filters more frequently. Clean filters mean clean air, proper airflow, and better overall health for you and your children.

HVAC Safety First

Protecting your children from the possible dangers associated with an HVAC system in your home is a simple matter of HVAC maintenance and repair. These steps will help make your home a safer place for your kids and the overall safety of your home.

HVAC maintenance not only protects your children from injury, but it keeps your system running efficiently for comfort and safety. To schedule a tune-up with the experts at JW Plumbing, Heating and Air, click here to book online or call the number at the top of the screen.

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