Can I return the MacBook Air M4 15"? It's too hot, I can't work on this.

Post the EtreCheck report using the Additional Text option when posting and we will be able to tell you if your setup is the reason for the increased CPU usage. The report contains no personal information.

How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community

• Increased CPU use equals more heat.
• Changing it to a MacBook Pro is not possible beyond the 14 days.

"Can I return..."

We are other end users and cannot give you an official or binding answer. Apple does not respond here.

M-series Macbook Airs have no cooling fans. If you are playing a lot of video (including gaming and video-conferencing) or doing heavy tasks like compiling, rendering, or video editing, it may get hot.

See if this helps you identify workstation issues that might cause high temps:

Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support

You should certainly seek an Apple evaluation given your level of concern.

I would add to that using an external monitor and installing useless aftermarket anti-virus or so-called "cleaning" apps. Etrecheck will tell us a lot with finding potential software issues without revealing any personal and/or secure information.

Just one data point: My M4 15" stays pretty cool.

Of course, how hot it will get depends upon what you are doing with it, i.e., if there are any processes using lots of energy/CPU. You could investigate that with Activity Monitor.

If you purchased it directly from Apple, you have 14 days to return it for a refund.