Keep A Computer Room Cool & Comfortable (12 Best Hacks + Bonus Tips)

Is there any technological invention that has had a more revolutionary impact than the computer?  No, the computer has infiltrated industries and homes. Computers are almost becoming a basic need, and seeing them in most homes is common. Computers are part of our daily lives, whether for gaming, school, work, or pleasure surfing. How can you keep a computer room cool when you notice it’s hotter than the other rooms in your house? 

Computer rooms can get hot quickly because of the extra heat generated by the computer itself. Focus on improving the efficiency of your computer, turning off the computer when not in use, circulating air inside the room, adding additional ventilation, and consider installing a small air conditioner to keep things cool and comfortable!

Read on to learn how to keep a computer room and computer on the cool side!

How does a computer warm the outside temperature?

If you’ve ever owned a computer that overheats, you might have probably asked yourself this question. A computer can get the surrounding area’s temperature to rise by simply being in operation.

Heat production is inherent to computers. A computer’s components produce heat because they run on electricity. Different types of computers demand different amounts of electricity to operate. As electricity passes through components, wires, and circuits, this friction causes heat.

Imagine rubbing your hands together on a cold day. They might have started out cool, but the friction of movement warms them up fast. The same concept occurs within a computer. Older computers typically run hotter than newer computers. Playing a graphics-heavy game will generate more heat than typing a research paper.

Computers have built-in fans that blow heat into the surroundings. This is a safety mechanism to avoid an overheated computer. These fans remove the internal heat as warm air to the outside, which heats up the room. So, how do you cool down your room?

Read Also: Why Is My Apartment So Hot – Top Reasons and How to Cool It

How to maintain a comfortable temperature in a computer room

Whether you are using your computer in an office, bedroom, or den, there are ways to turn down the heat and make your surroundings more pleasant.

You can maintain a comfortable temperature in a computer room by adjusting the machine itself or the room environment.

First, let’s look at some easy machine tips to turn down the heat:

Improve computer cooling efficiency to keep a computer room cool

First, let’s look at the computer itself. In many cases, you can improve the efficiency of your machine to reduce some of the heat generated from the computer.

Clean the computer fan

Dust and debris can collect inside the computer fan over time. These obstructions can reduce the fan’s ability to cool, resulting in a buildup of hot air that is not only uncomfortable but can damage your computer. Using compressed air to blow out contaminants is a quick solution.

Switch off the computer

Everybody needs a rest now and then, and your computer is no exception. The harder the computer works, the more heat it produces. If you aren’t actively using your computer, turn it off to reduce heat production. If you can’t turn it off completely, at least put it in standby mode to reduce its power consumption and heat release.

Move the computer next to the intake vent

If you have an air conditioning unit, moving the computer closer to the intake vent will enable the heat it produces to circulate through the entire house instead of being concentrated in one room.

Reapply thermal paste

Thermal paste is a heat-conductive compound that is applied between a computer’s heat sink and processor. Over time it can break down and lose effectiveness. Reapplying can improve conductivity and reduce heat release.

Buy a cooling mat

A laptop cooling pad is a gadget that elevates your computer to allow better airflow underneath. Some pads simply elevate with no other bells or whistles. Others have built-in fans to cool and circulate the air underneath the computer. They range in price from $20-$100 or more.

Check the computer for deeper issues

A defective computer will produce more heat than a properly functioning one. So, if you’ve tried all the above steps or the room temperature rises suddenly, you might have computer operating issues. Outdated software and damaged internal parts can cause overheating.

After making machine adjustments, here are a few tips to keep your room environment cool:

Environment hacks to keep a computer room cool

Now, let’s look at the room itself and your home, in general. Here are some of the most practical ways to improve the comfort level in your computer room and reduce the heat.

Get a floor or ceiling fan

Adding a desk, floor, or ceiling fan to your room is an easy and affordable way to help circulate the heat around the house. Pairing this tip with the next one will enhance the environment even more.

Open the windows

This may work depending on the location of your windows and the season. If your window gets direct sunlight, this could actually make the heat problem worse. However, if the temps outside are mild, opening a window can release pent-up heat and even provide a nice breeze.

Hang blackout curtains

Sun-facing rooms can feel stifling. Add a running computer to the mix, and you will be begging for relief. Hanging blackout curtains can block the sun’s rays, almost instantly cooling off the room.

Make the computer room more spacious

No, you don’t have to knock down a wall. Clutter around the computer and room will impede airflow. Taking a few minutes to declutter can make a world of difference. If your computer room is small and cramped, you may want to consider moving the computer to a larger room in the house.

Switch off any other electronics in the computer room

It isn’t only computers that give off heat when in operation. Other electronics such as radios, TVs, tablets, and appliances can emit heat as well. Turn off all electronics in the same room to cool off the room.

Install a portable window air conditioning unit

We did this in our bedroom last summer. Even though we have central air, our bedroom gets the bulk of the afternoon sun. This was making our room heat up and extremely uncomfortable at night. If your computer room gets direct sunlight, a portable window AC unit can make it more comfortable and more energy efficient than running your central unit at low temperatures.

Bonus Tips

Make (or purchase) a self-cooling computer cabinet

Hard-core gamers, this one is for you! If you have a large desktop setup and want it to look contained and stylish, you may want to use a computer cabinet. You can buy expensive versions, use DIY skills, and install cooling fans to the back of the cabinet to reduce heat.

Splurge on a new CPU fan

You might find that merely cleaning your machine’s fan doesn’t quite do the job. If this is the case, installing a new CPU fan might be time. Unless you are ultra-techy, this might be best left to the professionals.

Summary of how to keep a computer room cool and comfortable

You can achieve a cool, comfortable computer room by making small changes to your machine and room atmosphere.

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