How to protect your appliances from overheating during a heatwave

Summers are here, and with that mercury levels are soaring. But this year, things are getting worse with multiple regions in India battling the wrath of heatwaves. Mumbai, in particular, recently made headlines after receiving a severe heatwave warning from the IMD. According to the statement, the next few days in the city and surrounding regions could face temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius.

We’re sure you’re already taking precautions, but did you know the heatwave could also affect your home and personal appliances? If you’re wondering what you could do, here are some tips to ensure your gadgets don’t end up taking the fall this summer.

Signs your appliances are overheating

Like us, our appliances also need to be kept away from direct exposure to sunlight. While mild to moderate temperature fluctuation may not affect them much, keeping an eye out for any tell-tale signs in your smartphones, laptops or even dishwashers, could help you ensure their longevity. Here are a few signs that your appliance could be overheating: 

Smartphones: It’s no surprise that your smartphone is the most susceptible to rising mercury levels. After all, you’re either always using one or have one around while you venture out in the heat. Familiar signs of overheating is your smartphone getting too hot to the touch. 

ALSO READ: How to get your apartment ready for summer

Another instance is looking out for rapid battery loss. Being exposed to sunlight will cause your smartphone’s battery to drain out faster than usual, and extremely high temperatures will also cause it to glitch or malfunction. 

Refrigerators: It is often challenging to pinpoint when your refrigerator is overheating since its exterior is always warm to the touch. Moreover, for an appliance that is always cool on the inside, sensing an overheating issue may be a tad difficult. 

However, your refrigerator might have a way of letting you know. More often than not, higher temperatures can cause the food within your fridge to begin perishing. Apart from this, you might also find it is taking a lot more time to cool or chill items such as ice or ice cream. 

Laptops, tablets: Like your smartphone, your laptops and tablets, too, are among the few that are always exposed to direct sunlight. They are also more likely to be left behind in our vehicles or unknowingly placed closer to windows. This practice could end up causing more harm to your device than good, and there are plenty of ways to identify the signs. If you find your laptop or tablet crashing more often, it might be due to excess heat exposure. 

ALSO READ: How to reduce electricity bills in the summer

Televisions: No, not even your television is safe and can certainly fall prey to the rising summer temperatures. TVs typically are close to a living room window. And while we’re prompt enough to draw curtains for a weekend movie marathon, you will always find it exposed to sunlight the rest of the day. Thought this may not have immediate repercussions, you may notice your television components failing over time as a result. 

Dishwasher or kitchen appliances: Surprised to find a dishwasher on our list? Unfortunately, your kitchen appliances are more prone to heat or humidity, and more so, since they cook vegetables or wash vessels using hot water or gas. This could apply to your microwave, air fryer or even a juicer mixer grinder. 

However, a dishwasher, in particular, could be the first one to falter with the rising temperature. If you find your dishes are no longer squeaky clean, you might want to take this as a warning sign and reevaluate your dishwasher’s placement. Long-term exposure to these conditions could also cause unit or personal damage. 

How to protect them from overheating

Certain steps can make sure you don’t have to rush to a service centre this season. Here are a few ways to keep some of your appliances safe during summer: 

Smartphones, laptops and tablets

For personal appliances like smartphones, laptops and tablets, it is best to limit your usage when you step out in the sun. If you find your gadget heating up, the first thing you might want to do is do away with your case and switch off the device.

Additionally, make it a habit to not leave them behind in a parked car and always stow them in a cool, dark place whenever travelling. Lastly, switching to a low-power mode can help you preserve the battery and also make sure unnecessary applications are not eating it away. 

Home and kitchen appliances 

Tending to home appliances like televisions or air conditioners might not seem easy but begin with keeping them away from direct sunlight. For televisions, you might want to enforce sunblock curtains during the season or cover them with a cloth to avoid direct damage.

Air conditioners, on the other hand, are quite robust and can handle heat. However, cleaning them regularly can stop them from overworking, and in turn, overheating. 

For kitchen appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers, making sure your space is well-ventilated could stop any trapped heat or steam from accumulating within the appliance. If you’re unable to experiment with placement, you can ensure smaller appliances like a microwave or air fryer are put away after use. Do note that it is also important to allow your appliances to cool down before putting them away. 

Heatwave or not, these practices can make sure you don’t have to worry about your appliances or their lifespans. However, to rule out any challenges, it is always a good idea to opt for a ZipCare plan for your gadget, which guarantees timely replacement of parts and servicing within the comfort of your home.