Why Your Laptop Gets Hot (And How to Cool It Down)

Laptop overheating is incredibly common, especially with older machines. At SnapFix Repairs, we see the damage heat can cause – but most overheating is preventable.

Why Laptops Overheat

Laptops pack powerful components into tight spaces. Over time, dust accumulates, thermal paste degrades, and cooling systems struggle to keep up.

Warning Signs

• Laptop feels hot to touch
• Fans running constantly at high speed
• Performance throttling during demanding tasks
• Sudden shutdowns
• Battery draining faster than normal

Immediate Solutions

Surface Matters

Never use laptops on beds, sofas, or carpets. These surfaces block vents and trap heat. Use a hard, flat surface or proper laptop stand.

Clean the Vents

Use compressed air to blow dust from vents. Do this monthly for heavy users, quarterly for light users.

Check Running Programs

Task Manager shows which programs consume CPU resources. Close unnecessary background applications.

Professional Solutions

Internal cleaning requires disassembly. We remove accumulated dust, replace thermal paste, and check fan operation. This often reduces temperatures by 10-20°C.

Cooling Accessories

Laptop cooling pads help, but they're not magic. Proper internal maintenance is more effective than external solutions.

When to Worry

If your laptop shuts down from heat even after cleaning, internal components may be damaged. Professional diagnosis can determine if repair or replacement makes sense.

Prevention

Regular maintenance, proper surfaces, and avoiding extreme temperatures extend laptop life significantly.