In many homes, the central heating radiator is the default location for the family computer.
You may want to know whether this is the best place for your PC. There are many placement options, after all.
So, Should You Put Your PC (and Desk) Near a Radiator?
Yes. It is not a bad idea to put a pc and desk near a radiator. Placing your pc near a radiator can be helpful during harsh climates such as winter. This is because it warms the PC and helps to prevent overheating and other related issues.
What Is A Benefit Of Placing Your Desktop Computer Near A Radiator?
Warmth
This can be especially beneficial in winter when the temperature in your home can drop relatively low.
Electronic devices like your computer are prone to damage by icy conditions.
Keeping them warm is helpful to ensure that every piece of the device is intact.
Are There Any Downsides To Positioning Your PC Near The Radiator?
Even though the heat from the radiator is valuable and can help protect your PC from overheating and extreme cold, it can still pose negative ramifications.
Not that the closer the distance to the radiator, the more likely the damage.
You can, therefore, prevent damage by considering the proximity when placing a PC near a radiator.
Here are a two adverse effects of placing your PC near a radiator:
1. Potential damage to the PC
The heat from the radiator can actually damage your computer. The heat can cause components to expand and contract, leading to premature wear and tear.
If the radiator is turned on and off frequently, it can cause your computer to experience thermal shocks, damaging sensitive components.
2. Dust problems
The heat can also make your computer more susceptible to dust and other particles, which can clog up the components and cause problems.
If your computer parts get clogged by dirt, there is every chance it will malfunction. Worse still, it can break down for good.
Five PC Placement Considerations
1. The Amount Of Heat Your Computer Generates
The air temperature around your computer can affect its performance and lifespan.
It is generally recommended to keep the temperature around your computer below 80°F (27°C) to prevent overheating and damage.
If your computer generates a lot of heat, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation so the heat can escape.
Putting your computer near a radiator could block the airflow and cause your computer to overheat.
Different computers have different designs and heat-producing abilities.
And it usually depends on the type and complexity of the device. When placing it near a radiator, you should be wary of your computer’s heat generation.
2. Dust That Accumulates On Radiators
If you have a dust-sensitive computer, avoid putting it near a radiator so the dust doesn’t get into the components and cause damage.
As we mentioned, dust can cause serious technical problems on the computer. Most of these issues are irreversible; once they occur, you might be forced to invest in a new computer altogether.
3. The Amount Of Noise That Radiators Make
If you’re looking for a quiet home office, putting your desk near a radiator may not be the best idea. Most radiators produce noise depending on the gravity of the tasks they perform.
Noise can disrupt your flow of thought and lower your productivity. Perhaps you may need to invest in radiators that are not heavy-duty and produce minimal noise.
4. Humidity
High humidity levels can also be harmful to your computer. Moisture can cause corrosion on components and can lead to issues such as data loss or hardware failure.
5. Accessibility
If your desk and computer are too close to the radiator, it may not be easy to access them. You want to ensure you can access everything with less hassle and complete your projects on time.
Six Ways Of Dealing With PC And Radiator Issue
As you have seen, you need to pay particular attention when putting your pc near a radiator. The safety of your devices is paramount. More so is your safety and productivity.
Here are some suggestions for placing a PC and desk near a radiator:
1. Keep A Safe Distance
One of the best hacks for placing your PC near a radiator is to ensure the desk and PC are far enough away to avoid overheating. A distance of at least a few feet should be sufficient.
2. Use A Desk Pad
A desk pad can provide insulation between the desk and the radiator, helping to prevent heat from transferring from the radiator to the desk.
It acts as a heat barrier and saves your computer the damage from excessive heat.
3. Use A Laptop
If possible, consider using a laptop instead of a desktop PC.
Laptops can be easily moved if needed.
4. Use A Cooling Pad
A cooling pad can keep a laptop cool by providing additional airflow.
5. Use A Fan
You need to position the fan, which is blowing away from the radiator and towards the desk and PC.
Invest in pretty good fans designed for such purposes.
6. Keep The Room Cool
Another trick is to make sure the room is well-ventilated to help keep the air cool and prevent overheating.
You can open windows or use an air conditioner if necessary. A smooth allow of air into and out of the room can help solve the problem of overheating on your PC.
It is also essential to ensure that all cords and cables are positioned safely and out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.
Sources
https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2013/08/29/space-saving-tips-for-a-small-office/