2018 MacBook Air Fan Runs Often and I Can't Figure Out Why

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2018 MacBook Air Fan Runs Often and I Can't Figure Out Why

My MacBook Air Retina, 13-inch, 2018 (1.6 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5) fan runs often, even though the 16 GB of usage isn't reached; the last time the fan was running and I checked, 11 GB out of 16 GB was being used. I have 114.13 GB available of 250.69 GB, and they just replaced the battery. I'm using MacOS 14.6.1

I've read these articles and have reset the SMC.

When the fan is running and I'm typing, the text on the screen "freezes." I can keep typing, and eventually, the computer will catch up with me. (I hope that makes sense.) I use Chrome and I know that's a heavy memory drain, but the computer used to work right.

This started happening within the last month or so.

Please let me know if you need more information from me.

Posted on Aug 21, 2024 2:54 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

brbo

Level 8

39,859 points

Aug 22, 2024 11:43 PM in response to TrixieKQ

Hi TrixieKQ,

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community!

Am no expert in this area, yet your post to the community certainly deserves some response.

Re: 2018 MacBook Air Fan Runs Often and I Can't Figure Out Why

It is possible there are un-necessary apps runnning in the background.

You might want to check whether you have un-necessary third-party (non-Apple) software, such as ad-blockers, virus-checkers, cleaners, and the like installed on your Mac. If so, they may be troublesome ... seems Mac looks after those things expertly and performs better without them. You can use the uninstallers available from their developers to completely remove them. (NB: ... even VPN can cause trouble-some issues.)

Also check that any necessary third-party apps are kept up-to-date by updating to the newest compatible version available.

If you haven't already, you might want to see details about the energy use of each app:

Eg: View energy consumption in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support

and

What to do: If kernel_task is using a large percentage of your Mac CPU - Apple Support

All the best :-)

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Answer 2

Aug 23, 2024 12:55 PM in response to TrixieKQ

Hello there!

I have the same laptop, except the 8GB RAM model.

I've noticed my laptop's fan has turned on more often than before, sometimes just by watching a video with one Safari tab open. Have you tried getting your fan cleaned by a professional? Sometimes that extra dust causes the fan to sound louder or run faster than it should.

Judging by the fact that your computer also freezes, maybe re-installing macOS could solve the issue. If you decide to do this, remember to back up your files first. How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

I've formatted and reinstalled macOS before and it makes my experience faster and smoother, thus reducing the need for the fan to go on, but I do not recommend you go through this trouble without doing the above first.

Hope this helps!

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