Unless you're saving on heating bills by cuddling up with your computer every night, laptops that overheat definitely aren't cool. In fact, overheating can cause system crashes, slow a computer's performance and lead to more serious laptop repair issues with your motherboard and hard drive.

Your laptop does a lot of work, and it needs to chill out every once in a while, too. That's why it has a fan that aerates the central processing unit (CPU), usually located at the back of the computer. The vast advances in computer technology make for much faster processing, but the faster a processor is, the more heat it produces.

Cleaning out the fan and keeping your computer on hard and flat surfaces during use may help, but many consumers feel one of the most effective ways to stop overheating is to purchase a laptop cooler.

Also referred to as cooling pads or chill pads, coolers are usually devices that attach to the bottom of your laptop, and contain additional fans to help cool down the CPU. Designs and prices vary depending on quality, weight, size and additional features. Some provide extra ports for USB cables, while others leverage the notebook into a tilt, allowing for even better ventilation.

When selecting a laptop cooler, it may also be important to consider the number of fans your laptop has. Some have only one while others employ several, and the location of each fan may impact the type of cooler you purchase.

Cooling pads may help limit overheating, but over time, heat can still cause significant damage to a laptop's components. A trusted Maryland laptop repair specialist may be able to diagnose overheating problems and recommend a solution.