The weather has been fabulous, we even recorded 45 degrees when driving to a client recently. However, when the temperature rises and everyone is trying to keep cool, we need to remember the heat can and does affect our laptops, desktop PCs, servers and other electronic equipment and devices.
It is vital that you check your information technology equipment for signs of overheating, doing so will help you avoid common problems happening in the office and with the surge in employees working from home you also need to ensure home-based equipment is also monitored.
One of the biggest risks associated with home working is employees taking their laptops outside into the garden and exposing them to direct sunlight, which can cause all sorts of problems – most commonly overheating.
Let’s face it, some people can get a little stressed when too hot and couple this with unexpected information technology failure – a meltdown waiting to happen.
So what can you do to help keep everyone and everything cool?
Reduce Stress Loads
High temperatures already cause a strain on your Information Technology equipment, so shutting down unused applications will reduce CPU usage and put less stress on the equipment.
Ventilation
Your servers generate heat as they are running constantly, but make sure you monitor the temperature in your server room and communications cabinets. Make sure they have adequate ventilation and consider bringing in a few extra fans.
Shut Down
Consider shutting down all non-essential desktop PCs, laptops, scanners, printers and other devices in the office when not in use.
Working Outside
When working outside in the garden or on a balcony, try to keep laptops and tablets out of direct sunlight. Consider sitting in the shade and avoid plugging the laptop charger in outside and exposing the power supply unit to direct sunlight – they get hot enough when charging without the additional heat from the sun.
Pay attention to the laptop fan, if this starts becoming increasingly noisy, consider moving to a cooler place, maybe indoors or take time out – switching it off totally and leaving it inside to cool down.
Avoid Moisture and Water
This might sound obvious but your Information Technology equipment should never be exposed to moisture or water.
It is not uncommon for people to spray water, and use misters or homemade air condition solutions to try to keep cool, but it is vital that you avoid spraying your IT equipment.
With children being off school for the summer holidays, and parents filling paddling pools make sure all your Information Technology devices are kept well away from splashing children enjoying the fun in the pools.
