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April 15, 2013

Five Ways to Store Technology in Hot Weather

Technology doesn't always fare well in hot weather – especially if it's on the older side. Unfortunately, some of those older pieces of genius are either still very relevant today or have information that users really need. After all, who has time to transfer all the files from that hard drive that's ancient, but has been holding up like a champ?



For users who live in hot regions, think twice before storing technology in the attic or another space that's prone to heating up.

Here are five easy, and sometime unique ways to keep technology cool even when the temperatures are rising.

1. Just Get a Turbocharger

First of all, the idea of having a turbo charger just sounds awesome. However, it's also a very real way to keep PCs cool and running like new. When it comes to self storage, sometimes that definition can get a little blurry. A lot of tech geeks prefer to keep a bevy of PCs and laptops up and running for different purposes. Maybe one's a work computer, one's for play and one's just for downloads.

No matter what the reasoning, attaching a turbo charger continuously blows air through the PC to keep it from overheating.

2. Go Old School with an Electric Fan

There's a reason geeks always have – and always will use – a fan on it. For stored technology that's still plugged in, directing a fan toward it is often enough to keep it cool. It's low cost (probably free since many people have fans around), easy, quick and it works. What more can a geek ask for? For those who don't want to invest in any new products and want the problem taken care of pronto, a fan can almost always do the trick.

3. Freeze It

While there's very little proof that this will actually work, there are quite a few photos online of people freezing PC parts and hard drives in blocks of ice. There's no guarantee that the product will still work once it melts, but clearly quite a few people are very optimistic. On the other hand, it appears that frozen technology actually can work while it's still frozen in the block of ice. For super geeks who want a challenge – and aren't too worried about damaging the equipment – it's worth a shot. Just don't start pointing fingers if it shorts.

4. Store it Downstairs or in A/C

For people who don't want anything fancy, just a regular solution for storing technology, the easiest solution is to keep it in a room that's air conditioned. If that's not possible, remember that heat rises, so storing technology in a low-range area is best. Consider a basement or cellar where it's unlikely to get incredibly hot even in the dead of summer. Few basements double as saunas, which is why they're great storage spaces to begin with.

Just watch out for leaky water in those areas.

5. Choose the Right Storage Facility

Self storage facilities come with a wide range of options. Some are in little outdoor sheds, others are in buildings and security goes from high to non-existent. If someone's looking to store their technology long term, it's worth the effort to do a little homework. Check out the facility and look for dampness. Many storage units are air conditioned, and that's a must for trusting them with technology.

Ideally, a storage unit can be secured in a building and not on the ground floor, just in case of a flood.

Keeping technology cool is a top concern, and with good reason. After all, technology is rarely built to withstand extreme temperatures. But with a little creativity and finesse, anyone can keep their equipment cool and in working condition.




Edited by Braden Becker
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