Prevent Your Kids From Causing Problems With Your Air Conditioner With These Steps
It's impossible to overstate the value of a properly functioning central air system during the summer months when it's stifling hot outside — but cool and refreshing inside your home. While regular maintenance, including hiring a licensed HVAC contractor (such as one from http://rbincorporated.com/) to service the unit annually, can extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, it's important to also be sure that your children don't cause problems with the unit. Teaching your kids to stay away from the various A/C components is one thing, but when children are curious, it's easy for the rules they've learned to be forgotten. Here are some steps to keep your kids away from the A/C.
Move Furniture Away From The Thermostat
While your kids won't be able to break the A/C by messing with the thermostat, per se, they can switch the settings and cause it to run more than it should — which can potentially reduce its lifespan. In most homes, the thermostat that controls the air conditioner will be mounted high on the wall, making it difficult for children to access. However, the presence of nearby furniture can give kids the ability to climb until they can reach the thermostat after being attracted by its glowing lights. Try to set up your furniture in the room with the thermostat so your adventurous kids can't use it to reach the thermostat.
Provide Obstacles Around The Condenser
Children playing outside will often be attracted to the condenser unit, especially when it's running. While it's fun to see the fan turning, kids can easily drop small toys through the grates of the unit during play, which risks damaging the fan and the internal components of the unit. While you need to provide space immediately around the unit for air flow, consider installing obstacles around the condenser to keep your kids at bay. A small fence, for example, can be enough to prevent your children from accessing the condenser.
Protect The Floor Vents
The last thing you need is for your children to drop toys into the floor vents throughout your home. This can cause blockages and put an unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. While covers are effective, children with some determination and dexterous fingers can lift the covers and gain access to the vents. A simple solution is to screw down the vents. Drill a small pilot hole on each side of the vent and then sink screws through the vent cover and into the floor. This will reduce the likelihood of your child dropping something through the vents.