Should I keep my NAS and server on all the time?
I know that I should, but it's a bit complicated.
My NAS is for storage and my server is for services (duh!), but I rarely use them. I need a file from my NAS less than five times a month (I get most of my stuff done on the cloud; my NAS has a backup of everything), and I use Plex probably twice a week.
I've tried keeping them on at all times, but the weather is too hot here (around 40°C indoors), there's no AC, and I have terrible airflow. So I'm worried about overheating. I've already lost some good companions this way, like my Alienware laptop, which during its last days would hit over 100°C within 30 seconds of booting up and start screaming in pain (critical beeping). AC is not an option here; all I can do is get huge fans all over the house (I have so many already, but they only move the hot air; they don't cool it down).
What I've been doing for the last few months is turning on my NAS and server when I need them, doing what I have to (plus backups if convenient), and then shutting them down.
I'd like some advice. What's going to kill my servers first, the spin-ups or the heat?
And, what would you suggest to do in my case?
Thank you!
Server:
LarkBox X (N100)
NAS:
QNAP 231 with industrial-grade HDDs