Days are longer, school is winding down, and the weather is heating up. Summer is just around the corner, but before you decide to work from home outside, keep in mind that electronics can be severely damaged if they overheat. Have you ever left your phone in a hot car for too long and received the scary temperature alert? This can happen to any of your electronics if they’re not managed properly. Below are some tips for how to keep your electronics cool when the weather heats up.
Clean: One easy step is to keep the devices clean. Dust laptop and PC vents frequently and make sure nothing is obstructing airflow. Keeping vents clean allows the fans to work properly and keep the device cool. If the vents become clogged with dust, hair etc. it can cause the fan to slow and eventually stop.
Airflow: Airflow is extremely important for electronics to maintain cool temperatures. Make sure there is plenty of space around the device (2-3 inches at least), or keep them propped up on a flat surface so hot air can escape.
No heat: Keep electronic devices away from sources of extreme heat such as hot cars, or direct sunlight. During the summer, if electronics are left by windows for too long, the sun can heat the device over time and overheat the device. Try to keep them near a fan or air conditioner, somewhere in the path of airflow. Keep in mind when storing that heat rises, so consider storing them on a base level instead of high up.
No stacking: When storing electronics together, refrain from stacking them on top of one another. Stacking electronics produces and conducts higher temperatures and will cause the devices to heat up the longer they’re stacked. Instead, keep them spread out next to one another.
If you find that your device is overheating, unplug it immediately and shut it down. Take off any case/covering and let it cool until it’s no longer hot to the touch. Placing it in the path of airflow will help cool it down faster. Do not try using it again until it is completely cooled down. Cold electronics can be a problem, but things get dangerous when electronics overheat. Today, most electronics are made with Lithium Ion batteries, which can swell when they get too hot and start fires when damaged. For this reason, it’s critical to keep your electronics cool and store them properly during the hot summer months.