10 Tips for Summer Computer Care

Warm summer days are great for getting outside and enjoying outdoor activities, but warmer temperatures can also wreak havoc on costly computer equipment. Now is a great time to review some tips on how to keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently, all summer long.

10 Safety Tips

1. Computer equipment needs room to “breathe” — Avoid surrounding your PC with papers, books, office supplies, etc., and keep it away from tight spaces (e.g., desk cubbyholes).

2. Dust computer equipment regularly — Beyond the fact that dust can clog vents, dust also traps heat which makes computer equipment work that much harder.

3. Keep PCs, tablets, etc. away from direct light — Many people use their laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. intermittently throughout the day and set them down onto various surfaces throughout the home. Make sure those surfaces will not receive any direct sunlight during usage downtime.

4. Make sure screensaver and power-saving modes are set properly — Adjust screensaver and sleep mode settings to kick in fairly soon after inactivity. The less your computer is in active working mode, the less likely it will overheat.

5. Add or upgrade PC fans — Most PCs already have at least one built-in fan, but there could be room for another, for power users who extensively use their equipment. An 80mm fan is very affordable and will keep a PC cool and comfortable during heavy usage.

6. Adjust light settings — Bright light settings use more power, which generates more heat. Tone down light settings and add a lamp or two if you need more light to view the PC screen.

7. Keep air flowing — Computers are already built in such a way as to keep air flowing throughout the unit. By removing a side panel, it disrupts the airflow running from the front to the back vent. It’s best not to attempt these types of DIY moves, which has the potential to backfire.

8. Consider adding air conditioning — Some environments are difficult to keep cool in the summer. They may be poorly insulated and/or have a lot of windows that bring sunlight and warmth into interior spaces. Consider adding an air conditioning unit to keep the space cool. 

9. Ventilate computer spaces — If you can’t afford to add A/C, at least use a box or window fan to keep air circulating within the room. Just as with people, moving air helps keep equipment cool.

10. Turn off PCs, tablets, etc. when not in use — During nighttime hours and when away from the home, there’s really no need for computer equipment to be up and running.

If you’d like more tips on how to help your computer equipment avoid the summer heat, contact us!