How to keep electronic devices cool during heat waves

A thermometer displaying a temperature of approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the foreground. In the background, a blurry person drinks water.Summer 2024 has been relentless so far, roasting the U.S. with heat waves from coast to coast, according to the NASA Earth Observatory. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) – part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – reported that this past June was the hottest on record worldwide, with the global surface temperature reaching 2.20°F above the 20th-century average temp of 59.9°F.

“According to NCEI’s Global Annual Temperature Outlook, there is almost a 60 percent chance that 2024 will rank as the warmest year on record and a 100 percent chance that it will rank in the top five,” an NCEI news report states.

Sweltering summer days aren’t just a hazard for humans; they can also damage electronic devices. The Scientific American article “Physicists Explain How Heat Kills Machines and Electronics” details how high temperatures can hurt technology: Overheating can slow machines down, deform the materials they’re made of, degrade batteries, and more.

Subsequently, it’s imperative that business leaders take steps to protect technological assets – including desktop computers, laptops, servers, and all other electronic devices – from the harmful effects of high temperatures during heat waves.

If you’re wondering how to keep electronics cool during hot weather, the following recommendations will help preserve your tech when temps soar.

1. Ensure your air conditioning works properly.

To prolong the lifespan of servers and other IT assets, you should keep them in an air-conditioned room, according to Scientific American.

2. Give your tech space and air.

There should be at least 2 to 3 inches of space around all your electronic devices, if not more, to allow air to circulate, according to the Institute for Advanced Study’s Information Technology Group (IAS ITG). Avoid stacking devices directly on top of each other. You should also check the vents on all routers, computers and other electronics to ensure they’re clear.

3. Store electronics in a highly insulated room.

Just as insulation keeps the indoors warm during the winter, thermal insulation can combat overheating during hot weather, according to a 2023 research article published in Heliyon.

4. Avoid direct sunlight.

Placing electronics in the hot, bright sun is a surefire way to end up with heat-related damage. You should position your tech away from direct sunlight and, ideally, in the path of a fan or air conditioner, according to the IAS.

5. Clean fans and vents regularly.

The IAS notes that dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris can stop fans and vents from working properly. Clear them on a continual basis with a can of compressed air.

If you need help maintaining your tech assets, we can connect you with leading managed IT service providers. With over 20 years of IT industry experience, our trusted technology advisors can rapidly identify the best solutions and services for your unique business needs.

Start today by calling 877-599-3999 or emailing sales@stratospherenetworks.com.

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