Is summer here yet? No. I won’t go that far but it’s approaching, and this is the perfect time to talk about protection. We’re gettin’ hot in the summer heat! As you’ve probably noticed, our electronic devices are only getting smaller and lighter. How? Well, often, they eliminate or minimize key components, one of which is the fan. Let’s talk about ways to keep your devices cool even in the summer heat.
- If the temp is over 95 degrees, just jump in a pool and stop working. But DO NOT let your device get that hot. Most devices will shut down automatically or not boot up.
- Don’t leave devices (or pets!) in cars parked in the sun for any period of time. If it happens accidentally, let the device cool before using it.
- Provide good ventilation so air can cool the device. Do not block ventilation ports in the back of a desktop, and don’t use laptops in bed, propped on a pillow, or under the covers. It can be worth blowing dust out of ventilation ports with compressed air every so often.
- Because electronic devices get warm enough on their own, stacking them on top of one another can produce even higher temperatures putting them further at risk of overheating.
- Shut them down when you’re not using them and don’t charge them in the heat!
As an IT Pro, I get “my computer won’t turn on” support tickets during the summer and I’m hopeful these easy-to-follow tips will help. Heat harms your devices and your batteries, and we often can’t work magic to repair them after this kind of damage: “Yes, that’s correct, your laptop shut off because it’s literally frying right now. Please put it in a cool place for the rest of the day… NO, NO, NO, not the freezer.”
Haha. Enjoy the summer! It’s going to be a hot one!