Getting all that dirt out of your PC make it feel good, like you just got back a computer as good as new. But you might of been doing more harm then good. That stuff you use to get your computer running well again could be shortening its life.
How do you clean without damaging your hardware? Learn about airflow and mechanics in this article. Learn about airflow and mechanics in this article.
Understanding How Compressed Air Damages PC Fans
The Risks of Using Vacuum Cleaners
Fans made for PCs aren’t designed to handle much pressure. By using your vacuum on high (or blowing compressed air around) you’re actualy damaging the plastic fan blade and wearing down the bearings. Remember, maintenance should helps things last longer, so change how you hold a can.
Today, computer fans is manufactured to spin anywhere from 800, 2000 RPM. They’re made specificaly for those speeds. Forced by compressed air, they has to immediately spin thousands of RPM.
Their plastic hub were never meant to withstand that kind of torque. It results in stress point which cause the fan to break and wobble. A fan’s bearing is its lifeblood.
How Compressed Air Damages Fan Bearings
If a fan use a hydraulic or sleeve bearing, which most do, it rely on oil to keep it lubricated. That oil gets blown out of seal from high pressure air. Metal then rubs against metal without the oil.
At first, the fan might spin freely, but sooner than you know it, it start grinding away. Pressure can force dirt past even high-quality seals. How it hits is important, too.
Lubrication Loss and Metal Wear
If you point it straight into the blade, it behaves as if it were a propeller. It cause the fan to turn in the opposite direction that it’s meant to go. That can burn up the windings of your motor within the hub.
When it do, the fan will stop spinning and you will see it. But point it at the dust on the heatsink fins or shroud. Another danger is static electricity.
Static Electricity and Motor Hazards
In a dry environment, plastic nozzle can become charged. A simple spark close to a fan motor can fry out the control circuit. Grounding yourself isn’t as good as keeping the nozzle away from the motor housing.
This little precaution avoid a big headache. Keeping the fan stationary lets you go in there and clean it all up without damaging hardware. Just press down on the blade with your finger (or some plastic tweezers) while blowing air so they don’t spin around.
Safe Cleaning Techniques and Precautions
If you want, you can even take the fan out. Then you can realy get in there and clean it with alcohol and a soft brush. Or you can just blow from outside inwards to clear off any dust.
The trick, though, is patience. You’re gonna screw something up if you rush it, and replacement will cost money. Ten extra minutes of careful cleaning time can save a bunch of furnitures.
Don’t mess with the blade, don’t disrespect the bearing. Let the PC keep breathing clean air.