HOBI Weekly Blog Recap (11/27-11/30)
The seasons are changing, and with the change comes colder temperatures that are just as harmful to electronics as extreme heat. As the temperature begins to drop, it is important to know where to store electronics during the winter to ensure they continue to function correctly. Provided are some tips for protecting IT assets from harsh winter weather.
- Extreme temperatures of any kind can be harmful to your electronics. If you wouldn’t leave them in the car during the summer, don’t do it during the winter. Packaged electronics should also never be left outside on the porch. Hard drives, especially, are susceptible to complications. For example, when the lubricants that keep the platters spinning freely thicken, the platter cannot spin at intended speeds, resulting in improper booting and corrupted data.
- If your device has been sitting outside in freezing temperatures, try not to expose it to a sudden rise in temperature, as this will create a layer of fog (much like when your glasses fog up), which will later turn into a thin layer of condensation. Moisture of any kind can cause electrical shortages in circuitry. If the device is inside a box, leave it in the box or package and let it warm up t before removing it. Or, give the device time to thaw before turning it on.
- It’s important to note that many smartphones and laptops are now made with Lithium Ion batteries, which cannot be charged below 32ºF (0ºC) without causing damage. Though the device will appear to charge normally, this will cause metallic lithium plating to occur on the battery anode, and the battery will become more apt to failure in the future. Instead, ensure all your devices are charged before leaving the house, or charge them inside the car while it’s warm before heading out into the cold.
Another useful method for keeping electronics functioning correctly during the winter is to keep household temperatures at a comfortable middle ground. Some devices have manufacturer specifications on the packaging for minimum and maximum temperatures for storage and use.
If disaster strikes before you are properly prepared, consider ITAD facilities such as HOBI International as a safe, eco-friendly disposal method. With more than 30 years of industry experience, HOBI focuses on maximizing economic return and mitigating potential environmental liability.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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