7 Tips to Make Your IT Devices Last Much Longer

Do you have bad luck with IT devices? The average desktop computer should perform optimally for 3-5 years before you even begin to think about replacing it. However, many of us find ourselves dealing with snail-pace speeds and overheating issues long before that. Extending the lifespan of your IT devices won’t just save you a small fortune, it will help combat the growing issue of e-waste. Need some pointers? Read on for 7 tips on how to keep your IT devices running at peak performance for longer. 

1. Combat Overheating

Heat can cause all manner of issues for your IT devices. Unfortunately, heat is a fact of life for electronic devices. Your machine will produce just by meaning switched on. However, once intensive applications are running, additional strain is placed on things like graphics cards and processors. When temperatures reach high enough levels, IT devices must work twice as hard to function. 

Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to combat the issue. Firstly, think carefully about where you’re positioning your devices. Whenever possible, place them in cool rooms and ensure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight. It’s also important not to block ventilation grilles with any objects on your desktop. Occasionally, you’ll also need to think about cleaning CPU fans. Gaming computers will benefit from having additional fans installed. If you’re using a laptop, think about investing in a cooling pad. 

2. Commit to a Regular Cleaning Schedule

If you’re not regularly cleaning your IT device, you’re committing it to an early grave. Everyday debris like dust and hair is going to pose the biggest barrier to keeping your machine clean and functioning correctly. 

Even the smallest of particles can build up over time. Something as simple as a clogged keyboard can render a laptop almost impossible to use. Meanwhile, significant dust buildup can force your fans to slow, making it harder for your machine to maintain an optimal CPU temperature. To save yourself a lot of hassle, keep your computer and peripherals covered when not in use. 

3. Be Delicate When Handling Devices

Whenever your device is turned on, avoid moving it. Ideally, even something like a laptop should be kept stationary when it’s operational. If you must move your device, be cautious when handling it. Make a rule to always close the lid of your laptop before moving it and never grab it by the screen. 

To extend the life of your devices further, invest in protective gear. If your machine of choice is a laptop, a padded case will make traveling with it far easier and prevent accidents from happening in transit. A screen protector is also a good idea if you’re looking to minimize things like scratches and superficial damage. 

4. Battery Best Practice

One of the main reasons why consumers throw out electronics in favor of new ones is poorly performing batteries. If you’re using a device with a lithium-ion battery, you should never let battery levels run down to zero before reaching for your charger. 

There are several other ways you can maximize the overall lifespan of your device batteries. Firstly, only ever use a standard charger that’s been designed for use with your device model. You should also keep an eye on battery reserves. The more often your batteries reach lower capacities, the faster they will discharge in the future. 

You should also aim to lower power consumption. Avoid using your USB ports as a charging dock for smartphones and other gadgets. Furthermore, think about what features you’re actually using. If you don’t need to be connected to a wireless network, disable Wi-Fi on your device. 

5. Don’t Make Standby the Standard

Most of us need to use our devices for many hours at a time. However, lengthy periods of operation can limit the lifespan of your electronic devices. When you’ve finished using your device for the day, avoid closing the lid and putting your machine on standby. Instead, make a habit of actively powering down your device. 

Doing so will not only protect your electronics from power surges, but it will also help slash your energy usage. Meanwhile, shutting down a computer will help clear RAM, leading to faster performance the next time you power it up. 

6. Upgrade to a Solid-State Drive

If your existing hard drive isn’t delivering the goods, think about swapping it out for a solid-state drive (SSD). Not only are SSDs becoming increasingly affordable, but they’re also far more efficient than conventional hard drives. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs don’t include any moving parts. This prevents temperature buildup and drives faster performance. 

7. Invest in Surge Protection

Just about every electronic device in your home is susceptible to power surges. These spikes can be the result of all manner of causes, including lightning strikes and faulty wiring. They’re also commonly experienced when power is restored after an outage. 

To preserve your data, it’s vital you invest in surge protectors. Additionally, you’ll want to unplug your devices from main power outlets in the event of lightning storms and adverse weather conditions.

Getting the Most Out of Your Devices

Extending the lifespan of IT devices isn’t difficult. Keeping keyboards, grilles, and fans clean will go a long way in ensuring your machines perform as well as they can for as long as possible. Rethinking your approach to charging cycles will also help your battery go further. If you want to push your IT devices even further, investing in surge protectors and upgrading to solid-state drives will pay off in the long run.

Author Bio: This article was written by Eloise Tobler of Wisetek Store. Wisetek Store is part of the larger Wisetek Group and was created to give customers access to high quality, reliable and affordable refurbished laptops.