Kids have a knack of finding a way to get into anything and everything. From leaving their toys everywhere to making a mess in the bathtub, you name it, they have probably done it. A kids world is on the ground, a big issue that parents often face is when their child discovers the floor vents. Fishing our lost Legos or key is a nuisance but it can also be a safety hazard. With sharp edges and different sized grates, there is a lot for Mom to worry about. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your child, and their toys, safe from the vent.
For the kiddos who like to play with the floor vents, it is a smart idea to secure the register. This can easily be done by screwing or nailing the register to the floor. If you are looking for a less permanent option, using double sided tape or Velcro will allow you to keep the vent secured without putting holes in the floor.
Another way to ensure safety of toys, fingers, and anything that doesn’t belong in vents, is to close them while still allowing air flow. Some options include trimming window screen material down to the appropriate size and securing it to the inside of your floor vent. You can even purchase floor vent traps to filter air versus Lego. For a DIY approach, secure a dryer sheet or thin cloth to close off the vent from objects.
Despite blocking your child from lifting the vent up and removing the satisfaction of dropping items down, they may still be interested in the vent itself. Tiny fingers can easily slip into these spaces but can cause difficulty when attempting to pull them out. To curb the accessibility you can place furniture over vents. Be sure to place items that will still allow for airflow but restrict access. This is an easy way to be child proof until the fascination with vents ends!
If the vent is unable to be secure or hidden, you can purchase different ones. They range from metal to wood to plastic. Switching a metal vent to a different material can alleviate the fear of cuts and scrapes from the sharp edges. You can find new vents at almost any hardware store or online in a variety of styles and finishes to match your home while creating a safer place for your kids to roam.
If you are unsure how to make your vents safe, Air Technical Services can help! We specialize in creating a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family. If you are worried about your kiddos playing with your home’s registers, give us a call and we can help you decide the best plan of action to childproof your vents. We can also help retrieve any missing items that fell victim to your HVAC system!
