Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Tech Tips for Your Hardware

Summer is here, and while we're outside enjoying the sunshine, our electronic devices may be struggling to keep cool.

Previously, we shared a few of our favorite Summer Tech Tips. In this article, we have some suggestions to keep your tech cool and functioning this season.

1. Ample Airflow

Your computer’s internal fans work hard to keep things cool, but in the summertime, they work even harder. When your fan spins endlessly, it can add more heat to the equation. If your laptop sounds like an engine preparing for takeoff, that’s your first clue that it’s struggling. We suggest:

• Work from flat surfaces: It’s tempting to work from the couch, but pillows and blankets act like insulators, blocking your laptop’s vents and trapping heat. A flat desk or table is usually the best choice for airflow.
• Breathing room: If you use a desktop tower, make sure it isn't tucked away in a closed cabinet or flush against a wall. Try to leave at least three to four inches of clearance around the vents so the air can circulate freely.
• Elevate your gear: A laptop cooling pad is a great way to keep the air moving under your laptop. Another quick fix is propping up the back of your laptop, even an inch. This can make a noticeable difference in airflow.

2. Humidity Hazards

Whether you are on vacation or at home, a cool morning might inspire us to take our laptop outside for a change of scenery. Be careful, the real danger isn't just the direct sunlight, but the humidity.

Humidity and moisture can cause internal corrosion and rust over time. Our advice: keep sensitive hardware away from high-humidity areas. And yes, this includes the Lanai.

3. Temperature Troubles

If you have ever seen the Temperature Alert notification on your smartphone, it can be jarring. It is an indication that your phone needs immediate action. Here are a few ways to avoid seeing this alert on your favorite device.

• Don't leave devices in the car: In the summer, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to dangerous levels in minutes. High temperatures like this can lead to permanent battery damage, screen discoloration, or even internal component failure.

• Avoid direct sunlight: If you are outside for an extended period of time, try to keep your devices in the shade. Direct sunlight can heat your devices quickly, especially if the device or the outer case is dark in color.
• Give it a break: At times, your device will feel hot to the touch after using. This sometimes happens for no apparent reason. Don’t ignore it. Shut it down and let it rest in a cool, shaded area for 15–20 minutes before turning it back on.

4. Maintenance Matters

Summer is a great time to clean and give your devices some TLC. Here are some commonly overlooked opportunities.

• Dust your vents: Over time, dust builds up, trapping heat inside your machine. Wipe down external surfaces, and for the internal vents, use a can of compressed air to clear out the intakes. You’ll be surprised at how much better your fans run!
• Check your power protection: Summer storms often bring the risk of power surges. Take a moment to ensure your critical equipment is plugged into a quality surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). When a severe storm rolls in, consider powering down and unplugging your equipment entirely.

Bonus: Backup, Backup, Backup

Hardware failure can happen to the best of us. To prevent total catastrophe, ensure your files are synced to the cloud or backed up to an external drive regularly. Even if a summer storm or a power surge damages your equipment, you can rest easy knowing your data remains safe and accessible.

Stay cool, stay connected, and keep your tech running at its best this summer!