Unless your laptop was left out in the sun or inside a hot car, it should never be too hot to the touch. High temperatures can affect the motherboard, hard drive, and additional components, requiring computer repairs. When the device overheats, it could even catch on fire. To extend the life of your machine and prevent damage, here is information on why it may be overheating and what you can do to maintain safe temperatures. 

Common Causes of Overheated Laptops

When dust collects on the computer’s vents, it can get forced into the internal hardware. The particles will stick to the components, causing them to retain heat. In addition to grime buildup, system malfunctions could also be to blame for elevated temperatures, which could require computer repairs. Many machines have internal fans to circulate air and keep the components cool. If the fan is broken, it can’t combat the heat produced when the laptop is running. 

To tell whether your device’s temperature is reaching dangerous levels, restart it and open the “setup” tab to find the basic input/output system (BIOS) information. From there, look for the CPU temperature. The ideal reading depends on the model, but it should generally be below 75 degrees Celsius, or 167 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Prevent Overheating

To keep your computer cool, clean it every couple months to prevent grime buildup. Dust mainly collects in the air vents, which are located on the side or outer edge of the machine. You can use a small screwdriver to remove the vent, exposing the fan behind it. Never use liquids to clean the device, as moisture could short-circuit the electrical components. Instead, use a can of compressed air to remove gathered particles. The powerful blast of air will dislodge buildup in the cracks and crevices.   

Keeping the computer in a cool, well-ventilated environment should also prevent overheating. If it frequently heats up while you use it, you may also purchase a specialized computer fan to bring down temperatures. These tools are cooling pads or bases you place under the device and connect to the USB port to give your computer an extra fan.

If your computer still feels too hot after you’ve taken these measures, contact the team at ComputerWerks in Fairbanks, AK, for help. For 20 years, they’ve been providing clients with affordable, effective computer repairs. They offer IT support, software installation, and computer repairs, aiming to get your machine up and running within five days. Learn more about their computer services online, visit them on Facebook for additional offers, or call (907) 451-4888 to schedule an appointment.