10 tips on how to take care of your electronic devices at home
Essential strategies for extending your electronic devices' lifespan
Most modern houses run smoothly on well-oiled and well-functioning devices and gadgets. Be it a smart lock on our doors or a fully automatic front-load washing machine for our dirty laundry, we depend on these appliances to make our busy lives simpler. Therefore, to ensure that these devices keep running as new and do not break down unexpectedly, here are a few efficient strategies that you can apply for optimal device performance.
1. Tackle the dust dilemma
Regular dusting can help prevent component failure and overheating. You can apply compressed air to clear vents, ports, and keyboards and use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe TV or laptop screens. You can also clean charging ports with soft brushes and use mild cleaning agents to wipe off the surfaces of refrigerators and washing machines. ACs and desktops might need a quarterly deep cleaning service.
2. Manage heat exposure
Heat is the silent enemy of your devices and can shorten their lifespan considerably. To safeguard your electronic devices, always place them on hard surfaces, like a wooden desk rather than beds or couches to avoid blocking the cooling vents. Avoid leaving devices in hot vehicles or exposing them to direct sunlight for long. Gamers and corporate leaders should invest in cooling pads for their laptops. Furthermore, just like you wouldn’t take off after an intense workout session, your device also needs time to cool down before you can tuck it away.
3. Protect from power surges
Use surge protectors and stabilisers to safeguard your devices. Additionally, you should actively unplug devices during thunderstorms or continuous voltage fluctuations. Consider replacing your surge protectors every two to three years to ensure optimal performance.
4. Handle with care
We have all felt our hearts skip a beat when our phone suddenly slips from our hands, or a mischievous pet knocks the coffee cup right into our laptop. Therefore, it is better to protect our devices by investing in quality screen protectors and cases. Do not keep any heavy objects on fragile electronic devices. Also, never unplug by yanking the cord - always grab the connector itself.
5. Update software regularly
Check actively for firmware updates and install security patches promptly. You can also remove unused applications and software to prevent the unnecessary operation of background processes.
6. Protect from liquid
Do not carry electronic items and water bottles in a single compartment. You can also store your devices in water-resistant packaging or use waterproof cases and covers for devices. You can even opt for ZipCare Protect – Damage plans that offer coverage against accidental drops and spillage. These plans have to be purchased along with your new product.
7. Optimise battery life
Do you want your devices to run longer? Invest in the battery health of your devices. Always keep devices charged between 20% to 80%. Additionally, try to prevent complete discharge or prolonging the charging. If you face unexpected device shutdowns or notice signs of rapid battery discharge, get it replaced immediately. Lastly, always use manufacturer-approved chargers.
8. Practice effective cable management
You should organise cables by labelling them in your storage boxes and use cable organisers at the workstation and TV unit to prevent tripping and ensure a neat space. Do not bend the cables and keep inspecting them for signs of wear and tear.
9.Implement data backup system
You can implement the 3:2:1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 off-site for safeguarding data. Other practices you can follow are scheduling automatic backups, encrypting sensitive data, and using Cloud storage for critical data.
10. Schedule regular maintenance
By opting for preventative maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your devices. You can do this either by using DIY cleaning and basic check-up hacks or opting for professional maintenance plans like ZipCare Maintain for your high-end appliances. A combination of daily maintenance habits along with professional oversight can help prolong your devices’ lives and provide peace of mind.
