The Big Clean

Chances are you probably do not think about the state of your electronic devices too often. Oh, you might think about all the upgrades you would like to make; where you would put those new tower speakers, or how a second or third subwoofer would really tame those bass modes in your room, or how much more cinematic a larger screen would be. Sure, you think about that part of your system. But how often do you think about the well-being of your system?

- JOHN SCIACCA

From the service calls I make, where I go into clients' homes to service systems installed in racks and cabinets, I can say that for the majority of people, it is infrequent.

My suggestion is that at least once a year you give your system a general "love-in." Not only will your gear look better and last longer - it is also an opportunity to give your system a check-up to make sure everything is working the way you think it is!

Here are a few things for your Big Clean Checklist.

DUST: THE SILENT KILLER

While your gear just sits there doing its thing, it is likely being slowly bombarded by dust. Even if you think your gear is safely cosseted away behind closed doors, to paraphrase Dr. Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park, "Dust, uh, finds a way." Over time, this dust build-up leads to your gear running hotter, which is ultimately one of the primary killers of electronics.

While most people give the front and top of their gear the occasional cursory swipe with a cloth or finger to keep it from looking like some prop from The Twilight Zone, dust problems usually occur in the back, sides, and underneath components, especially if the component has fans for forced-air circulation. Those fans are pulling air from somewhere, and that is where you will find the dust build-up. It can clog fans, choke air vents, and coat chips and circuits in an insulated thermal blanket that will eventually cause components to overheat.

Some higher-end components will give you access to their internal temperatures, and if you notice that something is running abnormally hot, chances are you have an issue with dust, a failed fan, or just poor air circulation.

COMPONENTS