5 tips to prevent your appliances from overheating

With the onset of hot weather, our electronic devices suffer just as much as we do. Smartphones, computers and tablets are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures, and overheating can lead to slowdowns, breakdowns or even irreversible damage. Here are five tips for protecting your devices from overheating.

1. Protect your appliances from the sun

It may seem obvious to avoid exposing an electronic device to direct sunlight, but this reminder is essential. Internal components are sensitive to heat, and the screen, often made of organic material, can degrade rapidly. To protect your smartphone or laptop, place it in the shade, under an umbrella or in a temperate bag. For longer outings, a good tip is to store your device in an insulated pocket, such as a cooler bag.

2. Avoid prolonged contact with the body

Smartphones often spend long hours in our pockets, but this habit can exacerbate their overheating. Body heat adds to that of the environment and prevents the device from cooling down effectively. Opt instead for storage in a bag, or place it on an open-air surface when not in use.

3. Optimize laptop ventilation

Notebooks have ventilation systems that work best when unobstructed. Avoid placing your PC on soft surfaces such as a bed or cushion, which block air outlets. Instead, use hard surfaces such as a desk or, if necessary, raise the back of your computer with a ventilated stand or a simple book.

4. Reduce the use of power-hungry applications

Graphics-intensive games and applications require a lot of computing power, which causes components to heat up considerably. When heat peaks, it's best to limit their use, or even temporarily uninstall them. The same applies to computers: shutting down software that is too demanding and limiting multitasking helps maintain a reasonable temperature.

5. Removing the shell from your smartphone

Shells protect our phones from shocks, but they also retain heat. On hot days, removing your smartphone's shell can help it dissipate heat more efficiently. You can also use a ventilated or perforated shell, specially designed to promote air circulation.

By following these simple tips, you'll extend the life of your electronic devices and keep them running smoothly, even in the hottest weather. Good prevention can save you a lot of trouble, from slowdowns to breakdowns and data loss. Think about it before the next heat wave!

By Candice Lhomme