Februay 24, 2015

Server Room Air Conditioning Tips

One of the most vital components of a server room is the air conditioner. When the temperature is compromised, so is the server. Without all-inclusive control of the temperature numerous dynamics can affect the server such as drained resources, reduced productivity, operations coming to a stop and even the loss of crucial data.

In fact, maintaining the server room’s temperature is imperative and is often a cause for unease with most businesses and the IT staff. However, a fine tuned air conditioner can keep the servers from overheating; prevent malfunction and loss of revenue, reduce downtime caused by power issues and decrease waste due to less optimized systems.

Optimum Location of the Air Conditioner

The location of the air conditioner is very important. Where the A/C is placed will have a direct impact on how it maintains its optimal temperature. Air conditioners are generally placed in the floor or ceiling, that way it can proficiently funnel air to the servers. If the A/C is not ideally placed then you run the chance of the server overheating. When a server overheats it can produce major damage like loss of data, melting server parts and fire.

In contrast, continuously running the A/C on full-blast to keep the servers from overheating is not really necessary. In fact, it overworks the air conditioner and waste valuable resources.

Airflow

The server room also needs to have a controlled airflow in order to make the most of the funneled air from the A/C. Additionally, you can maximize the air efficacy in the room and prevent increasing temperatures with airtight doors and calculated server placement. Make sure and track the room’s ventilation so you can maintain the most efficient amount of air the A/C needs to pump.

The placement of the server racks and rows can also have a substantial influence on the containment of airflow.

Backup and Emergency Plans

An automated emergency plan and a backup system in the event of a technical issue or power outage are crucial. The server and even the basic data base center rely on the A/C in order to function. Not having a backup is literally asking for a disaster waiting to happen. On the other hand, there are cost effective ways to implement an effective backup system that will keep the server cool. A portable air conditioner that has a separate power source away from the mainframe is recommended. In fact, a portable A/C unit can maintain optimal temperatures until the issue is resolved.<

When the Air Conditioner Fails

Generally it is recommended that the server be shut down if the A/C system completely fails. It is better to lose a little downtime than having a complete server meltdown. It is also important to have a remote monitor so that everyone can be notified when there is a problem. As well, servers can have an automatic shutdown when there is a complete power outage.

  • Room exposure
  • Appliances in use
  • Insulation quality
  • Total number of windows

Quality Efficiency

The Energy Efficiency Ratio rating (EER) measures the energy efficiency of an AC or other device. The EER measures the ratio of output cooling energy (in BTUs) to the electrical input energy. A higher EER rating signifies an AC that is a more efficient.

A unit needs to be sized appropriately for your needs in order to get a high EER. Buy a unit with the highest EER rating and has the lowest BTU capacity. If you are not sure how to figure the EER ratings BTU calculations, an air conditioning specialist can help.

Please phone us today for a quote, you won't be disappointed.

Phone: 1300 672 235
Operating Hour:
9:00am to 5:30pm (Mon-Fri)
Service areas - Suburbs
Email: subcool@bigpond.net.au

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