The weather has reached a dangerous temperature level according to the weather index. In some cities, the temperature is a whopping 47°C, deeming it alarming and even suspending classes in most schools. As temperatures soar during the summer months, it's essential to keep both ourselves and our electronic devices cool. High temperatures can lead to overheating, which gravely affects device performance and lifespan. Here are seven practical tips to keep your electronics cool this summer:
1. Proper Ventilation: Make sure your device has enough space around it for air to circulate freely. Keep vents and fan openings clear of dust and debris. To check if the vent on your device is working, you can feel for airflow or do a simple test with a piece of paper.
a. Feeling for airflow: Locate the vent on your device and place your hand near the vent while the device is running. You should feel a gentle flow of air coming out of the vent. If you don't feel any airflow, there might be an issue with the device's cooling system.
b. Paper test: Hold a small piece of paper near the vent while the device runs. If the paper moves slightly or is drawn towards the vent, the vent is working correctly.
Some laptop models are designed without traditional fans and grilles, relying on a passive cooling system and internal airflow channels to dissipate heat. Passive cooling uses the natural movement of air to dissipate heat, while Internal Airflow Channels guide air over internal components such as the CPU and battery. Because most laptops nowadays have no visible vents, so there are areas where heat can escape. These are called Heat Dissipation Points. These points are typically located along the back edge of the computer.
2. Mindful Placement. This should be common knowledge by now but keep your devices away from direct sunlight, heaters, or other sources of heat. It's tempting to place laptops on our laps or beds, but this can actually obstruct ventilation. Opt for these alternatives:
- Desk or Table: Choose a stable or flat surface, allowing good airflow around the laptop.
- Laptop Stand: Using a laptop stand elevates your laptop slightly, which helps improve airflow underneath the device and can make typing more comfortable.
- Cooling Pad: Since we live in a warm environment, a cooling pad with built-in fans will be our laptop's best friend. Cooling pads can help maintain lower temperatures.
- Portable Laptop Desk: If you frequently work from different locations, consider investing in a portable laptop desk. These desks provide a stable platform for your laptop and can be used on your lap or any other surface.
3. Invest in Cooling Pads: A cooling pad will be our laptop's best friend. Consider purchasing a cooling pad with built-in fans for your laptop. Place your laptop on the cooling pad to help dissipate heat from the device. Some manufacturers produce cooling pads specifically designed for certain laptop brands like Dell, HP, or MacBook, but most cooling pads will work with any laptop.
4. Adjust Power Settings: Adjusting power settings also helps keep your device cool. Lower the screen brightness to reduce heat generation, and close unused applications to lessen the workload on your device's processor.
5. Regular Maintenance: This will extend the longevity of your device. Clean your devices regularly to ensure optimal performance. You can use a soft brush to gently clean vents and ports. Read your device's guidelines and follow the instructions for safe cleaning practices.
6. Avoid Overcharging. Overcharging significantly affects our devices' battery health. Avoid leaving devices plugged in overnight or for extended periods after they've reached full charge. Many modern smartphones are equipped with battery optimization or health management, which helps prolong the battery's lifespan.
When you charge your phone, the battery optimization system may stop charging once it reaches around 80% of its total capacity. This prevents the battery from reaching a full charge, which stresses it and reduces its lifespan.
A little fun fact about batteries: For some smartphones, once the battery reaches 80% charge, the excess energy typically goes towards achieving 100% is diverted. The excess energy gets stored in a separate part of the phone's memory.
7. Cooling Accessories: Cooling fans and portable fans are in high demand because of the weather, and they're also beneficial for our devices. Consider using external cooling accessories for heat-sensitive devices like gaming consoles or routers. Cooling fans help maintain lower operating temperatures.
STAY COOL THIS SUMMER
Now, you can keep yourself and your devices cool throughout the summer. From ensuring proper ventilation and mindful placement to investing in cooling accessories and practicing good charging habits, these proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of overheating and ensure your electronics function optimally, even during the hottest days.
Remember, the longevity and performance of your devices are directly impacted by how well you maintain them. Regularly cleaning your electronics can extend their lifespan and keep them running smoothly.
So, stay cool and enjoy your gadgets without worrying about heat-related issues! With these tips, you can make the most of your electronics while keeping them cool and functioning at their best. Here's to a summer filled with smooth performance and worry-free device usage!