Spring is just around the corner, and the temperature outside is starting to heat up. But, if you're not careful, the weather won't be the only thing - your computer can overheat if it's not properly cleaned and ventilated, especially in the warmer months.

In particular, your computer's central processing unit (CPU) produces a lot of heat, and if its fans and cooling units aren't removing heat quickly enough, your computer can get so hot that it shuts down, loses data and even causes permanent damage to the hardware, leaving you no choice but to call your local PC repair or laptop repair center.

To ensure that your computer is keeping as cool as possible, clean the fans and cooling unit regularly, because dust build up acts as an insulator and keeps the heat in even more. If this is the first time you're cleaning it out in a while, using a compressed hot air can and a microfiber cloth is a great way to get rid of heavy dust.

In addition, make sure that your computer is stored in a location out of direct sunlight, where air circulates regularly - but not next to a heater, where hot air can further raise the temperature of the machine. 

If your computer is a laptop, use it on a firm surface like a table or desk, as opposed to a bed or couch, as a hard surface allows for better air flow. As Azadeh Ensha, a blogger for The New York Times, writes in a recent Gadgetwise post: "The floor is not ideal because it tends to collect dust particles more easily. And contrary to what its name implies, your lap is also not the most optimal place to keep your laptop."

If overheating persists, you may want to purchase a computer stand, cooler or other computer or laptop accessories.