As summertime arrives, the scorching sun starts to heat everything around you. But while you may or may not enjoy the extra warmth, one thing is certain—your tech hates it.
It’s well known that high temperatures and humidity are the number one enemy of your tech devices, and continuous exposure to either can reduce their efficiency and lifespan by quite a lot.
Luckily, you can take steps to protect your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other devices, even when the weather is against you.
How Do Heat and Humidity Affect Your Devices?
When technology overheats, excess temperatures strain the components that make your device function.
All the internal parts configuring your device’s CPUs, GPUs, and batteries are made of delicate materials that work by conducting heat. When you add heat that exceeds the temperatures they’re built to handle, you push them to the edge. This means that, within a few days, you could see the damage they’d typically get in months.
Conversely, humidity can cause moisture buildup within those same electronic components. Humidity is water, and mixing water with electricity is dangerous by itself. It can also corrode the materials, induce short circuits, and cause other general damage.
In general, if you’re not careful, summertime could mean that your tech will:
- Perform poorly, with recurrent lag and decreased efficiency
- Face unexpected and recurrent shutdowns that can translate into long-term damage.
- Reduce their lifespan, meaning you will have to pay for repairs or replacements.
Your Phone Overheated—What to Do?
If the summer weather has already wreaked havoc on your beloved tech, worry not—there are simple steps to reduce the impact and prevent long-term damage.
Put your device in airplane mode or turn it off
Doing so as the first step will disable your device’s communication and non-essential features, giving it a well-deserved break, reducing its energy consumption, and keeping it from overheating any further.
If your phone has sustained significant damage or the humidity is too strong, consider shutting it off entirely.
Expose your device to the open-air
Don’t keep your phone trapped against a mattress, cushioned seat, towel, or any other surface that can absorb heat. Likewise, remove any case that may help keep the heat or humidity trapped within.
Let your device cool in an open area
Expose your air to the open air and let it cool naturally, as allowing for natural airflow can help reduce heat and eliminate humidity. However, do your best to avoid fans or artificial sources of airflow if your device has been exposed to intense moisture, as it can push the water deeper inside.
Use silica gel if needed
If your device got wet or exposed to significant humidity and you fear it might be damp, place it inside a sealed bag alongside silica gel, as it will absorb the moisture.
How To Protect Your Devices from the Heat and Humidity
While the previous techniques will save you in a pinch, the best you can do is take preventive measures to ensure you won’t fall victim to the perils of a hot summer.
Check for updates regularly
Your devices’ regular updates fix bugs and optimise their performance, reducing strain on the software and preventing excessive heat generation. Delaying or postponing these updates will contribute to overheating.
Always allow airflow
Avoid placing your devices on surfaces that restrict airflow and trap heat. That means avoiding mattresses, couches, seats, or towels. On the other hand, flat and cool surfaces will always be your best friends
Keep your devices clean
Regular maintenance of your devices will go a long way. Dust and debris can accumulate, reduce airflow, and slowly heat your device. Pay special attention to ports and vents.
Buy equipment to help you out
Keeping silica packs at hand or purchasing a desk fan can help support airflow, reduce humidity, and keep your devices in tip-top condition.
Summer will be a breeze as long as you remember that heat and humidity are the enemies of a healthy device.
