Whilst we have all been enjoying the recent heatwave, our computer equipment definitely has not. When switched on, our computers’ internal components generate heat, so if they are exposed to additional heat, it can cause major problems. For example, the hard drive can expand in heat and consequently fail which could result in you losing your files.
Here are our top tips to keep you and your equipment working safely:
- Avoid direct sunlight
If your computer is near a window, make sure it is not in the direct sunlight otherwise it could overheat and even become dangerously hot to touch.
Consider closing a blind and opening a window or if either of these are not possible move to another part of the room that is not in direct sunlight.
- Think cool temperature
Make sure any place or room with equipment in is below 23 degrees centigrade. An airconditioned office is obviously best for maintaining a reasonable temperature but failing that get a fan to blow air onto the computer
Equally, if you have to leave your laptop or equipment in a car, make sure they are switched off and in a shaded place, preferably the coolest place within your vehicle.
- Equipment positioning
Make sure your computers and other computer equipment have access to an airflow/ventilation to keep them as cool as possible and, try not to put devices too close together. Servers in particular need to be kept cool so a small unventilated cupboard is the worst place for them in hot weather.
Also, laptops typically have fans underneath, so try to avoid having your laptop on your knee, better to have it on a flat surface. If you can hear the fan constantly, it’s a sign of potential overheating.
- Unplug equipment that doesn’t need to be on
Make sure you unplug unneeded equipment to stop unnecessary heat from circulating. If equipment is plugged in and switched on, it is generating heat. Likewise, once your equipment is fully charged, remove the charger which can also overheat.
- Consider a move to the cloud
A move to the cloud means less physical equipment in your office or wherever you work which means less hassle for you. Instead, any equipment is looked after externally in a professional and well-equipped environment, that would take all of the above into consideration.