Lengthen the lifetime of your electronics:
More modern homes are including upgrades like home theaters, security systems, automated lighting, audio systems, and networking equipment - and many of these electronics are powered up at all times. To keep electronics operating at top speed and to protect your family from fire hazards, it is important to keep toasty equipment from overheating.
Digital equipment's life expectancy is slashed by 40 percent for every 10-degree rise over 80 degrees, said Mark Tracy, vice president of marketing and business development for Middle Atlantic Products, which makes specialized air coolers for electronics. Here are a few tips to cool your electronics and lengthen their lifetime.
- Never stack electronics. The devices generate heat individually, but increase to even higher temperatures when their forces are combined. If your router is stacked on the speakers or your DVD player is sitting atop the television, rearrange the devices so each has its own shelf.
- Don't place them near a heat source. It will only heat them up even more. When placing a device, avoid putting it in direct sunlight and try to store it in the basement or lower floor where it will be the coolest.
- Keep vents clear. Almost all electronics have vents or holes, but they won't help keep temperatures down if they're positioned against a wall, desk, or other solid surface. Give your electronics some breathing room.
- Clean the vents occasionally. The vents on the electronics won't keep the temperature down if they are clogged with dirt or dust. Once or twice a year, clear dust from the vents with a dry cloth or a can of compressed gas.
- Shut it down. Sure, some networking systems have to be powered up at all times, but most electronics could use a break every once in awhile. Turn electronics off to keep temperatures down - and you can save a few pennies off the electric bill at the same time.
