If there’s a new arrival in your home, it may be time to consider HVAC system babyproofing. Today’s heating and cooling systems have an excellent safety record in normal usage. However, a little extra care is in order when there’s a baby around. Infants have a knack for finding hazards in seemingly safe environments and familiar things adults may not even notice can present some risk.
To make the household safe—and keep it comfortable, too—here are some HVAC system babyproofing tips:
- Secure floor vents. Heating registers installed in the floor are right down at baby level and very interesting to curious toddlers. Baby fingers stuck through metal slats can get stuck or cut. If a vent is loose, the child may try to pick it up—another potential source of injury. Most vents can be secured to the floor with screws to prevent removal. Plastic vent covers that prevent cuts are also available. To keep probing fingers out of vent slats, vinyl screen material can be cut to size and installed on the underside of the vent cover before it is secured.
- Enclose the outdoor unit. The outdoor condenser half of a central air conditioner also presents some dangers. The metal vent slats on the side of the unit can be sharp and pose a potential for cut fingers. A fan is just beneath the grille atop the unit; a high-voltage power cable as well as pressurized refrigerant lines are also connected. All things considered, it’s a good idea to enclose the outdoor unit with a small fence to keep out curious tots.
- Block the radiators. Modern radiators don’t run hot enough to cause burns on contact. However, they are very hard metal objects with typically sharp corners and edges. Little ones can get hurt playing around them. Options to babyproof include placing baby gates in front of the radiator or purchasing a commercially available radiator cover.
For additional advice about HVAC system babyproofing, turn to the pros at Paitson Bros. Since 1922, we’ve kept homes safe and comfortable for residents of all ages.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922