protecting your electronic devices and data from heat.
Our electronics are sensitive to extreme temperatures. As summer temperatures surge, it is important to protect your devices and data from overheating.
Heat can slow performance, shorten lifespan, and even cause irreversible damage to your device, resulting in data loss.
Devices often find themselves in hot cars under the blazing sun, heating up more than usual. For example, on a sunny day, if you park a car outside:
- If the temperature outside is 70ºF, the car's interior can heat up to 113ºF after 1 hour.
- If the temperature outside is between 80ºF and 100ºF, the car's internal temperature can reach a scorching 130ºF to 172ºF.
While many electronics are designed to withstand temperatures up to 176ºF, the recommended temperature limit is 95ºF. Consistently high temperatures can lead to permanent damage to your device. Electronic components, including HDDs, SSDs, chips, batteries, resistors, capacitors, and inductors, are all at risk of failure caused by heat.
what happens when your devices overheat.
Understanding how heat affects our electronics is crucial to prevent potential damage.
The consequences of exposing devices to excessive heat include:
slowing down.
When your electronic devices are exposed to prolonged high temperatures, the internal components, including the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU), may have to work harder to function properly. This increased workload can cause the device to operate at reduced frequencies to dissipate heat and prevent damage, resulting in slower response times and overall performance degradation.
In smartphones, for example, the CPU and GPU may throttle their speeds to lower levels when the device detects excessive heat. As a consequence, your phone may not be as snappy as usual, apps may take longer to open, and multitasking can become sluggish.
Similarly, laptops and computers can suffer from heat-induced slowdowns. In some cases, the CPU may reduce its clock speed to maintain lower temperatures, leading to delayed processing and rendering times. This can result in apps freezing or crashing, and the overall system responsiveness may be noticeably impaired.
shorter lifespan.
The impact of frequent overheating on the lifespan of electronic devices is significant. When devices experience prolonged exposure to high temperatures, the delicate internal circuitry, such as chips, transistors, and other semiconductor elements, can suffer from thermal stress. This stress causes the materials to expand and contract repeatedly, leading to micro-cracks and gradual deterioration over time.
When a battery in a smartphone or laptop is exposed to high heat, the chemical reactions inside the battery can accelerate, causing the battery to degrade faster and lose its capacity to hold a charge.
Other crucial parts, such as capacitors and resistors, are also susceptible to heat-induced wear and tear. The increased temperature can cause these components to degrade or fail prematurely, further contributing to the overall reduction in the device's lifespan.
battery problems
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones, laptops, and other portable devices, are at risk of heat. The chemistry of lithium-ion batteries is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, making them particularly vulnerable to overheating. When the battery temperature exceeds safe levels, the internal chemical reactions become more energetic and less stable, leading to the generation of excess heat and pressure within the battery cells. As a consequence, the battery may start to swell which can potentially result in distorted or cracked casings. In extreme cases, the pressure build-up can cause the battery to leak harmful chemicals, posing safety risks to both the device and the user.
Heat-induced stress can also accelerate battery wear, reducing the overall capacity and lifespan of the battery. Frequent exposure to high temperatures can lead to a gradual decline in the battery's ability to hold a charge, necessitating more frequent charging and resulting in reduced device runtime.
For optimal performance, keep lithium batteries between 68°F and 77°F.
computer chip issues.
Computer chip issues resulting from overheating can have a profound impact on the performance and reliability of electronic devices. The components within computer chips, such as transistors, operate based on the flow of electrical signals. As the temperature rises, thermal leakage occurs, causing electrons to leak through the transistor gates, even when they are supposed to be in the "off" state. This phenomenon leads to an unnecessary power consumption known as leakage power, wasting energy and generating more heat.
As the temperature continues to increase, the distinction between the "on" and "off" states of the transistors becomes blurred, affecting the chip's logic functions. This can result in errors, data corruption, or even complete system crashes, rendering the device non-responsive until it cools down and the chip can operate within its intended parameters again.
self-protection.
Self-protection mechanisms in devices that forcibly limit their performance during overheating are essential for preventing potential heat-related damage. However, this precautionary measure can result in reduced performance and responsiveness, making the device less reliable and impacting user experience.
data loss.
Data loss due to overheating is a significant concern for electronic devices, particularly with storage drives like hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Excessive heat can compromise the integrity of the drive's sensitive components, leading to potential data corruption or even permanent damage. When the temperature inside the drive reaches or exceeds the critical threshold, which is generally around 160°F, it can cause the drive's magnetic platters (in HDDs) or memory cells (in SSDs) to become unstable. In such extreme conditions, the risk of data loss becomes heightened, and vital files, documents, or cherished photos may become inaccessible or irretrievable.
physical damage.
Extreme heat can lead to physical damage to your devices. As temperatures rise well above the recommended limits, certain components within the device become vulnerable to irreversible harm. One of the most common consequences of extreme heat is the melting or warping of plastic and metal parts, which can crack the device's casing, compromise the overall functionality and appearance of the device, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
Additionally, the excessive heat can cause connections within the device to weaken or break, leading to electrical failures and potential malfunctions. Soldered joints, circuit board traces, and connectors may all suffer under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, resulting in a variety of issues, from intermittent functionality to complete device failure.
screen damage.
Screen damage due to excessive heat is a common issue that can greatly impact the visual quality and usability of electronic devices. The display panels in phones, tablets, and laptops are typically composed of intricate layers and delicate components that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. When exposed to high temperatures, these display panels may experience various forms of heat damage, such as discoloration, diminish screen brightness, and in severe cases, 'ghosting' or permanent burn-in issues.
Prolonged exposure to heat can cause discoloration when the display's colors become distorted or faded, leading to an unnatural and unsightly visual experience.
The overall brightness of the screen may also diminish, making it challenging to view content, especially in well-lit environments.
In severe cases, the screen may develop "ghosting" or permanent burn-in issues. Ghosting occurs when a faint afterimage of a previously displayed image persists on the screen, even when the content changes.
Burn-in, on the other hand, is the permanent retention of an image or pattern on the screen due to prolonged exposure.
Both ghosting and burn-in can be particularly bothersome, affecting the device's readability and overall display performance.
cooling issues.
As devices operate, they generate heat as a natural byproduct of their internal processes. To dissipate this heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures, devices rely on the surrounding cooler air to absorb and carry away the excess heat.
However, when the surrounding air is already hot, the device has to work even harder to cool down. This vicious cycle leads to further heating, exacerbating the cooling issues and potentially pushing the device's internal temperature to unsafe levels.
tips to protect your devices from overheating.
Following these tips can help ensure that your electronics survive the summer heatwave:
keep devices cool.
To ensure the optimal functioning of your electronic devices and prevent overheating, it is important to keep them cool by following a few key practices.
Storing your devices in well-ventilated areas with stable temperatures is crucial. Adequate airflow plays a significant role in dissipating heat generated during device operation.
In situations where using your device outside is inescapable, it is essential to avoid exposing your devices to direct sunlight and heat sources, as prolonged exposure can rapidly elevate the temperature and lead to overheating. Instead, find a shaded area when using your device outdoors and try to minimize usage during peak sunlight hours when temperatures are at their highest.
maintain airflow.
Proper airflow and ventilation can help your device stay cool, especially during extended usage.
Most electronic devices have vents located on the back or side. Avoid obstructing these vents and position your device near a fan or air conditioner whenever possible.
When using a laptop, avoid placing it on a soft surface such as a bed or rug, as it can block the bottom vents and cause overheating. Switch to a hard surface that allows the vents to displace the hot air.
Remember that hot air rises, so keeping your devices lower will benefit from cooler air.
Consider using cooling pads or stands with fans to help dissipate heat from your computer.
When in a car, position your phone or laptop near the air conditioning vent to allow air to blow over your devices.
limit usage.
To prevent excessive heat buildup and potential overheating of your electronic devices, limit usage during hot weather. This means reducing resource-intensive tasks that put a heavy load on your device's processor and other components, such as demanding video editing or gaming sessions, as they generate more heat. Instead, opt for performing these tasks during cooler times of the day when ambient temperatures are lower.
enable power-saving features.
By activating power-saving features, you can optimize energy usage, which in turn helps to reduce the heat output of your device.
Lowering the screen brightness is one such power-saving feature that not only conserves battery life but also reduces the heat emitted by the display.
Additionally, disabling unnecessary background processes and apps can significantly contribute to heat reduction. Background processes consume system resources, including the processor, which generates heat.
Moreover, adjusting power settings to enable sleep or standby modes when the device is not actively used can also contribute to heat reduction.
choose suitable cases.
When selecting cases for your electronic devices, it is important to choose suitable ones that not only provide protection but also allow for proper heat dissipation to prevent overheating. Additionally, when it is hot, it is advisable to remove cases when your devices are not at risk of damage, allowing them to benefit from natural heat dissipation and maintain optimal temperature regulation.
don't stack devices.
Don't stack devices on top of each other, as this can compound heat generation. Electronics naturally produce heat during operation, and stacking them can hinder proper heat dissipation, leading to elevated temperatures. Ensure there is sufficient space between your devices, ideally keeping them at least 2-3 inches apart to allow for effective airflow and heat dispersion.
avoid hot cars.
Your car's interior can get significantly hotter than the outside temperature. It is essential to prioritize the safety of your electronic devices by keeping them out of hot cars to maintain their functionality and prevent potential damage.
monitor battery charging.
for phones:
Aim to charge them to 60-80% capacity rather than 100%. The higher voltage at 100% charging could increase the risk of thermal runaway and encourage dendrite growth, making the battery combustible.
for laptops:
It's best to run the battery down to about 40% before plugging it back in. Repeat this process to help extend your laptop's battery life for anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 cycles.
To minimize heat buildup, it is recommended to unplug chargers and turn off power strips when they are not in use.
monitor temperature.
It is advisable to utilize temperature monitoring tools, which can provide real-time data on the heat levels of your devices. These tools offer valuable insights into how your devices are performing thermally and help you identify any abnormal spikes in temperature. If you notice that your device is running hotter than usual or nearing its critical temperature threshold, it is crucial to shut it down to prevent any potential damage caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
keep devices clean.
Keeping devices clean is essential for maintaining their cooling efficiency. Internal fans play a vital role in dissipating heat, and any obstruction caused by dust or pet hair accumulation can impede their performance, leading to potential overheating. Regularly using a can of compressed air to clean out the dust and ensuring that all vents remain clear will help optimize airflow and prevent heat-related issues, ensuring your devices operate smoothly and reliably.
switching off devices when not in use.
Switching off your devices when they are not in use not only conserves energy but also helps in reducing heat buildup. Even in standby mode, electronic devices can generate some heat, which, over time, can contribute to increased temperatures within the device. By completely powering off your devices when they are not needed, you can effectively minimize unnecessary heat generation and extend the overall lifespan of your electronics.
emergency shutdown.
If your device starts overheating, immediately power it down and unplug it to prevent potential damage. Emergency shutdown is a crucial step to interrupt the heat generation process and allow the device to start cooling down. Remove any case or covering to facilitate better heat dissipation, and wait until the device is no longer hot to touch to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before attempting to use it again.
make sure your apps are updated.
To prevent overheating issues and ensure optimal performance, it is crucial to regularly update your apps, as software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help address heat-related issues in your device.
backup data.
Regularly backing up your data to external storage or the cloud is essential as it safeguards your valuable information in case of device failure caused by excessive heat.
what to do if your device is damaged by heat.
In case your storage media has been damaged by extreme heat:
Do not try to operate a device that has been subjected to heat damage.
Trying to operate laptops, desktops and other devices that may have been damaged by heat may cause further damage within the device’s hard drive.Contact a professional data recovery expert immediately.
Recovering data from heat damaged devices requires a unique set of skills, therefore it is best to trust the experts with recovering any critical data.Consider any available backup data.
Having data readily available can make all the difference, so it may be helpful to proactively create a recovery plan in the event of heat damage. Keep your location in mind when estimating the opportunity for heat damage from natural incidents such as wildfires or extreme summer temperatures. It’s also important to remember that there’s no time like the present to back up your data.
If your device is potentially damaged due to extreme heat, Kotar data recovery experts have tools and expertise to help you retrieve your precious memories and important data.
