Life with a newborn can be challenging, to say the least. Gone are the days of sleeping in, going out on the town whenever you feel like it, and keeping up with any part of pop culture. There are a lot of sacrifices that come with the job of raising a newborn, but every parent knows that it’s all worth it.
One of your biggest responsibilities as a parent is ensuring your home is a safe and comfortable environment for your newborn baby. There are hundreds of things people do to baby-proof their homes, but not everyone thinks about adjusting their HVAC system. From the ideal house temperature for a newborn to the proper humidity level, there are plenty of things you can do to make life for your newest family member as comfortable as can be. At Entek, as HVAC experts and family members ourselves, we’re more than happy to share some of our expertise. Here are just a few tips on how to keep your home HVAC system as baby-friendly as possible.
The Right Temperature Range for Newborns
The most important thing to keep in mind when setting your thermostat is that newborn babies can’t regulate their body temperature as well as older children can. Since your baby can’t tell you whether it’s too hot or too cold, it’s up to you to anticipate what they need. Experts say that the ideal house temperature for a newborn is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
When setting your thermostat, pay close attention to your nursery to ensure it remains in that range. Some parents find additional peace of mind in installing a thermometer to measure the room specifically, helping them keep a close eye on the climate. As long as you know you’re maintaining the ideal house temperature for a newborn, everyone can sleep easy.
Maximize the Ventilation in your Home
Fans might not be cutting-edge HVAC technology, but that doesn’t make them any less effective. Ventilation is another key part of maintaining the ideal house temperature for a newborn, and by maintaining proper airflow, you can both save energy and keep your baby happy. Using a ceiling fan in your baby’s room will ensure the air doesn’t get stagnant, reducing some of the health risks that newborns face. Additionally, circulating air will help keep your home at the ideal house temperature for a newborn without having to completely rely on your air conditioning system. In the height of summer, well-placed fans can really cut down on your energy usage.
Consider Investing in a Whole-Home Humidifier
Using your HVAC system, particularly your heating, can cause the humidity in your home to drop precipitously. Dry air can cause irritated skin and eyes in anyone, but newborn babies are particularly susceptible to the discomfort. Before bringing your baby home, it may be worth adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system. By integrating it into the existing infrastructure, you’ll be able to counteract any drops in humidity that come with controlling your indoor climate. Not only will the humidity prevent irritation, but it will also make your home feel warmer overall. You could keep a portable unit in your nursery, but a whole-home model will make sure that every room in your home is comfortable.
Ensure Your Air Filters are Clean
Since newborns are so much more sensitive than older children, it’s wise to take extra care when eliminating any potential irritants or pollutants. Many homeowners already keep a regular schedule of cleaning and replacing their filters every few months, but with a newborn in the house, you may want to consider increasing the regularity. Allergens and pathogens can build up in even the cleanest of homes, continuously recirculating through the air vents. By cleaning your filters frequently, you can be sure that your baby is breathing the cleanest air possible. If you want to go the extra mile, you might even want to consider installing an air purification system to both filter and decontaminate the air in your home.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you haven’t already, it’s always a good idea to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Carbon monoxide is clear, odorless, and can prove deadly if it goes unnoticed. The best way to ensure you’re breathing clean air is to install a network of carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. By installing detectors on every floor, particularly near sleeping areas, you’ll give yourself ample warning time should a leak occur. With a newborn in the house, you can’t afford to take any chances. Install some detectors and change the batteries frequently, and you and your whole family will be much safer.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
All of the latest and greatest HVAC technology in the world won’t make a difference if you don’t make sure it’s well taken care of. Ideally, you should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year for any wear and tear. Preventative care will keep everything running smoothly, both extending the life span of your system and keeping your indoor climate exactly where you want it.
Before you bring your baby home, it might be worth scheduling an additional inspection to make sure everything is performing at full capacity. If you need an expert opinion, our HVAC experts’ years of experience and a wide pool of knowledge will ensure you and your family have the best climate possible. We’ll be able to assess the system, patching any gaps in sealing and cleaning out the ducts and air filters. We’re also well-equipped to help should you decide this is the time to add a new device, such as an air purifier or humidifier, or make an upgrade to an existing system. Our technicians are NATE-certified and will ensure that any additions to your HVAC system are the right size for the task and compliant with government ordinances.
Bringing home a newborn baby can be stressful, and every parent wants to give their child the best they can. We may not be able to help with changing diapers, but when it comes to HVAC, we have that covered.
