January 26, 2010
Have you ever wondered why electronics are packaged with packets of silica gel? The answer is simple: the silica gel helps protect electrical circuits from humidity. Almost everyone knows to protect their computer with a sturdy firewall.
But if you keep your computer in a warm, humid environment, it won't take a hacker to crash your hard drive. It could happen as a result of something as simple as warm air.
But while you don't need to turn your computer room or IT room into a meat locker, you must ensure that your central air conditioning maintains a cool temperature and low humidity.
Keeping your home cool will spare your computer. But it will also spare stereos, video game consoles, telephones, and a variety of other electrical products. When seasonal heat and humidity are their height, keeping your house cool is a no-brainer. Yet, there are some common situations where people still violate the "cooling rule" and end up compromising their electronics.
One situation is when people go on vacation. If you're away for a few weeks, you could lower your electricity bill by turning off your AC.
But that temporary cost savings to your utility budget won't be enough to buy a new laptop.
A second situation that commonly violates the cool rule is when people opt for outside air instead of air conditioning on a temperate summer night. While the air might be cooler than usual, chances are that its humidity is too high for electronics.
If you value your electronics, keeping them in a cool, dry environment is essential to preserving their lifespan; and to keep your home cool and dry, remember to have your heating and cooling system regularly serviced.
