cooling Archives

Computer running hot? How to quickly find out what's causing it

If you watch the news, you’ve probably seen a story or two about a laptop overheating and starting a fire. While overheating leading to a fire is incredibly rare, it does happen now and then. Are you having other issues with your PC? Tap or click here to fix common Windows problems.

But why do some overheat? There are several reasons yours may be overheating, and once you rule out the primary causes, there are programs to help you pinpoint exactly what the problem is.

Thankfully, identifying the why of your atomic hot computer is easy, and so is fixing it. Here’s how to quickly find out what’s causing your device to overheat and how to fix it.

Why is my laptop overheating?

There is a long list of reasons your laptop may be overheating. Most of them are pretty obvious to identify:

You don’t have your laptop on a hard service, and blankets and pillows do not allow proper air circulation.
Your intake grills are dusty.
Your fan is clogged.

While these are common culprits, there are dozens of other reasons it could be happening. If these common issues aren’t the offender for your overheating device, try using software to identify the problem.

Windows choice: Speccy

Speccy’s first desirable characteristic is that it offers a free version. Who doesn’t love free stuff? It also includes a host of valuable features outside of temperature control.

Not only can it identify the problem if your computer is already overheating, but it also offers real-time temperatures of your PC so you can be alerted before the problem even happens.

You can download the free version here.

Mac choice: XRG

Continue reading →

5 smart thermostats to save you money this summer

For those of us who prefer to keep it cool indoors, technology is the best way to beat the heat. Whether it’s a high-end fan or freezable clothing pads, these summer gadgets will let you have it made in the shade. Tap or click here to see our favorite picks for cooling tech.

Continue reading →

Over 69% off!

Rug grippers: Put these grippers on all your rugs, whether they’re on hardwood floors or tile, to help keep the rugs from moving or causing a fall. This pack of 16 grippers is on sale for $7.99, 69% off the regular price ($25.99).
Outdoor solar lights: Light up the night with these waterproof lights for just $26.99 — 85% off (they’re normally $180!). Solar-powered for up to 12 hours, their elegant design is perfect for the patio or walkways.
New pillows: Sleep like you’re in a luxury hotel with this cozy pillow set from Cozsinoor for $32.99, 72% off their original price of $120. Designed to perfectly balance and support your neck and back, these pillows come with a cooling cover that hot sleepers will love!
Car vacuum: Get rid of all the dirt, grime, food and who-knows-what-else in your car. This bestselling vacuum is now $25.99 — that’s 80% off the regular price of $129.99.
Bedroom update: Whether it’s for your room or the guest room, I really like this lightweight soft cotton quilt that includes two pillow shams for $43.10, a whopping 80% off (originally $219.99).

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

💤 Make your bed

It’s almost time to put away the big, heavy bedding until fall (or July, if you blast your AC). Prices for queen-sized sets:

Linen-ish sheets: Pure 100% linen sheets are expensive, but a linen-cotton blend gives you the look and feel of linen for less — like $84.99 for this four-piece set.
Fresh percale sheets: If you like your sheets crisp, this four-piece organic cotton percale set is for you. Nab ‘em in white for just $44.99.
🎋 Bamboo sheets: This six-piece bamboo sheet set is soft, cooling and comes in 30 colors, all of which are 50% off ($27.96).
Cooling pillows: The cool side of this pillow is both sides. I’m not entirely sure how it works but it does. Try one yourself for $27.99.
A light blankie: This cotton muslin throw blanket is just perfect for when you’re reading in bed with the windows open and there’s a light breeze. It’s currently 50% off ($19.99) in Dark Vanilla and 25% off ($29.99) in Grey and Peach Pink.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Summer sandals for everyone

Comfortable, cooling and cool-ish footwear for kicking around the yard, beach and beyond.

Arizona dupes: If you like the look of Birkenstocks but not the price, these faux leather versions by Cushionaire are 40% off ($29.99) and come in lots of good colors. These are so in right now for men and women.
Slip in and slide: Swap out your regular Crocs for summer Crocs. These unisex slides are so comfy and up to 41% off ($20.64).
Walking on clouds: Pillow slippers look silly until you put them on, and then there’s nothing funny about them. Heaven. These unisex slides are 15% off ($20.38).
Fellas’ fancy flops: Add some khakis and a collared shirt to these faux leather flip-flops, and you’re dressed for dinner. Right now, snag a pair for 30% off ($13.99).
Ladies’ fancy flops: Cute Birkenstock-esque women’s thongs in faux leather with an adjustable buckle. Choose from five colors (love the light gray). They’re all 25% off ($22.49).
Hey there, dude: Andrew Babinski loves his HEYDUDE shoes. I’m not a fan, but I’ve heard from both men and women that these shoes are super comfy.

💡 Pro tip: Sometimes, Amazon’s pricing can vary by size — rude! If you find your size is more expensive, click through other available colors to find a lower price.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.