Children are naturally inclined to touch objects that are unfamiliar to them, and this can include the components of your HVAC system. It’s this innate curiosity that keeps them consistently engaged and helps them learn — but it shouldn’t come at the expense of their safety. Here’s how you can protect your little ones from the heating and cooling system.

How to Protect Kids From the HVAC System

1. Nail Down the Vents

The HVAC system’s vents are among the easiest components for little ones to reach. It wouldn’t take too much effort for an intrepid toddler to lift them up, toss a toy inside, and even hurt themselves while handling the metal. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to childproof the vents. You can do that by nailing or screwing down a wooden register or installing screw-on metal vents instead. Velcro can also lock them down, although this is not a permanent solution. You can also apply a lightweight vinyl screen over the vent to prevent your child from throwing anything inside without compromising airflow.

2. Assess the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit is equally easy for kids to access. It’s large, makes loud noise, and features several sharp corners that could cause injury to your little one. Curious kids could try to poke at an opening, or simply come too close to the unfamiliar device. You can prevent these issues by establishing a protective barrier, like an air conditioner fence, around the unit. Avoid planting shrubs too close — there should be at least three feet of clearance space on all sides to ensure air moves freely and to prevent greenery from shedding on the unit’s fan.

3. Monitor the Indoor Elements

If the thermostat is positioned too low, your child might reach for it and inadvertently adjust the temperature. That can be detrimental not just to your comfort and indoor air quality, but it may also lead to serious AC repairs if the unit is forced to work too hard to reach an unreasonable temperature. If you use a remote to control the system, place it in a drawer or on a high shelf so that your kids can’t reach them.

Offering over 20 years of experience, the team at Advantage Air in Georgetown, KY, is prepared to assist with all of your HVAC system concerns. Whether you want to schedule AC repairs or maintenance, you can trust these qualified contractors to help you every step of the way. They’re Trane® Comfort Specialists and are proud to offer a wide range of products for your commercial and residential needs. Visit them online to learn about their HVAC services, or call them at (859) 559-6409.