Mac Overheating London for iMac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and MacOS Support

What to do when your Mac fan is constantly running and the computer is hot

If your Mac’s cooling fan is constantly running and the computer feels warm, this can be a sign of a deeper issue. While it’s normal for the fan to speed up during intensive tasks, a persistently noisy fan often indicates that the computer’s processor is under a heavy load, even when you aren’t actively using it for demanding tasks.

Keith Thomas provides an independent Apple Help at Home Visit Service and is one of the best alternatives to an Apple Store Genius Bar Appointment near you in London. As an Apple Expert and an Apple Mac Support Specialist, Keith can diagnose and provide a solution to these issues, often with a same-day or next-day service appointment.

Why an Intel Mac Computer May Be Overheating

Beyond basic macOS computer maintenance and a simple software issue, a constantly running fan is often caused by an underlying problem. This can be caused by malicious software or a background task that is forcing the Intel processor to generate excessive heat. This is a clear indicator that the Mac is being over-worked by a process you cannot see. When this macOS malware is identified and removed, the problem will often go away as the processor returns to a normal temperature.

In some cases, especially on older Intel Mac computers, the problem can be caused by a hardware issue, such as a clogged fan with dust or brittle thermal paste on the microprocessor. It is important to know that Apple has a 7-year support plan for its Apple Hardware devices, which means that for many Intel Macs, an official Apple hardware repair is no longer an option. A hardware repair from a third-party provider can be expensive and may not be a long-term solution. In this situation, the best and most reliable long-term solution is often a professional recommendation for a new computer. As of late 2025, only the very last Intel Macs still receive the latest macOS updates. These models are the:

• MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) with four Thunderbolt ports
• iMac (27-inch, 2020)
• Mac Pro (2019)

Any Intel Mac models not on this list will not receive the latest operating system updates, making a hardware repair a poor long-term investment. This is a critical point that the Apple Store Genius Bar does not mention to its customers.

Keith Thomas provides expert Apple Mac computer setup and on-site Apple Mac computer installation services, including a professional PC to Apple Mac computer support data transfer and migration service, especially for expert Apple Mac Intel computer to Apple Silicon M Technology migrations. To get the best possible performance and a much more reliable and stable new computer setup, the Apple migration process needs to be done in a specific way. The Apple Store Genius Bar does not offer this service; they leave the new Apple Mac computer with the Intel software installed, causing macOS software issues and problems. My service ensures a clean and professional migration to give you the best possible start with your new Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Mac fan constantly running and the computer is hot?

A constantly running fan can be a sign of both software and hardware problems. The most common software-related cause is a runaway application or malicious software forcing the processor to work overtime. Hardware issues can include a clogged fan with dust or, in older models, dried-out thermal paste on the processor, which prevents proper heat dissipation. An on-site expert can diagnose the precise issue and recommend the best solution.

Is it worth it to repair an older Intel Mac that is overheating?

For many older Intel Mac computers, a hardware repair is not a viable or cost-effective solution. Apple has a 7-year support plan for its devices, and after this period, official service and parts are often no longer available. This means you would need to use a third-party repair shop with unofficial parts, which can be expensive and may not provide a long-term fix. A budget-conscious alternative is a professional cleaning and macOS maintenance, but a new, faster Apple Silicon Mac is often the best long-term investment.

Will a new macOS update make my old Mac run hot?

Yes, a new macOS can sometimes cause an older Mac to run hotter. This is because newer operating systems are designed to take advantage of more modern hardware. When installed on an older machine, the Mac’s processor has to work harder to run the new software and all of its background tasks. This can lead to increased heat, a constantly running fan, and poor overall performance.

Do you offer on-site Mac computer maintenance?

Yes, Keith Thomas provides on-site Apple Mac computer support and maintenance services in London and surrounding areas. This includes professional diagnosis, software optimization, and advice on whether a hardware repair or a new computer is the best solution for your needs. We provide an independent, professional alternative to a Genius Bar Appointment near you.

My Apple on-site Services for:

• On-site Apple Mac Computer Support Service.
• On-Site iMac, MacBook Support Service.
• On-Site Apple iCloud Support Service.
• Apple Mac Computer Technical Support.
• Apple Mac Computer Setup and Apple Mac Computer Installation Services.
• Apple Mac Computer Training.
• Independent Genius Bar Alternative Service with Apple Help at your Home Visit Service.
• On-site MacOS Upgrade and MacOS Upgrade Support.
• Apple MacOS Telephone Support.
• Mac Remote Support Service.
• Apple Expert Support and Apple Specialist Support Services.