What Does A Heat Wave Mean For Computing Equipment?

When temperatures soar during a heatwave, it is not just us who feel the effects. Our computers, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, games consoles and other electronic devices can also struggle in the heat.

Why Does Heat Affect Computers?

Every electronic device produces some heat when it is switched on. Your computer's processor, graphics card, power supply and storage drives all generate heat as they work. Normally, fans and other cooling systems remove this heat and replace it with cooler air from the room. But during a heatwave, the air around your equipment may already be very warm. Think of it like trying to cool down with a fan on a hot day. The fan is still working, but if the air around you is already hot, it becomes much less effective. Your computer faces exactly the same problem.

Your Computer May Become Slower

One of the first signs of overheating is that your computer starts to feel unusually sluggish.

Modern processors are clever enough to protect themselves when they become too hot. If temperatures rise too far, they can automatically reduce their speed. This is known as thermal throttling.

You might notice programs taking longer to open, websites becoming less responsive or demanding tasks such as video editing taking longer than usual.

Your Computer Might Suddenly Shut Down

If temperatures continue to rise, your computer may shut itself down.

This can be alarming, particularly if you are in the middle of an important piece of work, but an automatic shutdown is usually intended to protect the hardware. The downside is that you could lose anything you haven't saved.

If your computer repeatedly shuts down on hot days, don't simply assume that the weather is to blame. It could also indicate a blocked air vent, a dirty fan or a failing cooling system.

Laptops Can Be Particularly Vulnerable

Laptops are convenient because you can use them almost anywhere, but their compact design leaves less room for cooling.

It's tempting to use a laptop on the sofa, bed or even outside in the sunshine during a warm afternoon. Unfortunately, soft surfaces can block the ventilation openings underneath the laptop. Direct sunlight can also heat the case surprisingly quickly.

During a heatwave, try to use your laptop on a hard, flat surface where air can circulate underneath it. Keep the ventilation openings clear and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight.

And perhaps most importantly, never leave your laptop in a hot car. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become dangerously high surprisingly quickly.

Don't Forget Your Wi-Fi Router

Your Wi-Fi router is probably one of the hardest-working pieces of technology in your home.

Usually switched on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, quietly providing internet access to phones, televisions, computers, smart speakers, security cameras and other devices. Routers also generate heat, and many people place them in cupboards, behind televisions or on shelves surrounded by other equipment. During a heatwave, this can become a problem.

Try to keep your router somewhere open and well ventilated. Don't cover it with books, clothing or other objects, and avoid placing it directly next to another device that produces lots of heat. If your internet connection becomes unusually unreliable during very hot weather, overheating could potentially be one of the causes.

TVs and Streaming Devices

Modern televisions also produce heat, particularly larger high-performance models.

Streaming sticks, set-top boxes, soundbars and games consoles can add even more heat around the television.

A TV cabinet packed with several electronic devices can therefore become surprisingly warm.

Good airflow is important. Avoid covering ventilation openings and, where possible, leave some space between devices.

Computing Equipment Doesn't Like Direct Sunlight

One of the simplest ways to protect your technology is also one of the easiest to forget: Keep it out of direct sunlight.

A computer sitting next to a sunny window can become considerably hotter than one positioned elsewhere in the room.

The same applies to monitors, televisions, tablets, phones and other devices.

Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day can help keep the room—and your equipment—cooler.

Batteries Don't Like Heat

Heat can be particularly hard on rechargeable batteries. Laptops, smartphones, tablets and other portable devices commonly use lithium-ion batteries. High temperatures can accelerate battery ageing and reduce the amount of charge the battery can hold over time. During hot weather, avoid leaving your phone, laptop or tablet in direct sunlight.

If your phone becomes unusually hot while charging, move it somewhere cooler and well ventilated. It is also sensible to avoid placing a charging device underneath pillows, blankets or other materials that can trap heat.

Dust Can Make Overheating Worse

A little dust inside your computer might not seem like a serious problem, but over time it can restrict airflow. Dust can collect around fans, air vents and heatsinks, making it harder for the cooling system to do its job. This becomes particularly noticeable during a heatwave because a computer that normally copes perfectly well may suddenly struggle because the cooling system has less ability to remove heat. Regularly cleaning your equipment can therefore help keep it running efficiently. If you feel this may be an issue - contact Claire at Geeky Gadget Girl and arrange a device clean and check up.

What About Putting Your Computer in the Fridge?

This might feel like it would be a good idea, but it's definitely not. Why? Moving electronic equipment rapidly between hot and cold environments can cause condensation. Moisture inside electronics can potentially cause serious damage causing the liquid to make connections it has no right making.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Technology

You don't need an expensive cooling system to protect most home computers and electronic devices during a heatwave.

Here are some simple things you can do:

• Keep computers and consoles out of direct sunlight.

• Make sure ventilation openings aren't blocked.

• Keep laptops on hard, flat surfaces rather than beds, sofa's or laps.

• Point a fan directly at the device you're using during a heatwave.

• Give routers plenty of space and avoid putting them inside cupboards.

• Don't stack several heat-producing devices directly on top of each other.

• Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day.

• Clean dust from vents and fans regularly.

• Avoid leaving laptops, phones or tablets in hot cars.

• Give computers and consoles a break if they are becoming unusually hot.

• Save your work regularly, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

  
  

Watch for the Warning Signs

Your technology will often give you clues that it is struggling.

Keep an eye out for unusually loud fans, sluggish performance, unexpected shutdowns, error messages, graphical problems or devices that feel significantly hotter than normal.

If something keeps overheating, don't simply continue using it and hope for the best. Turn it off, allow it to cool down and check that its ventilation isn't blocked.