Data Center HVAC Controls Server Room Temperatures

Computer equipment is an expensive investment that needs to be protected.

Data Center HVAC Presents a Unique Challenge

Depending on the size of your company and your computing needs, the room holding this equipment is probably large, located somewhere in the building that is difficult to get to, and the equipment in it is on 24/7. While the data center is not the room you bring clients to or where you conduct pre-employment interviews, it might be the most important room in your facility. It requires a different level of security and an especially detailed control of temperature, humidity, and air quality. Air Comfort designs data center HVAC to protect the equipment that is housed there. If a data center gets too hot, if it doesn’t remove dust, if it is too dry or too wet, then you run the risk of damaging the equipment, which can lead to failure and downtime.

This blog explores some of the common design issues we face when designing and installing the vital equipment that will protect your servers and prolong their life.

The Temperature Has To Be Controlled

Servers run hot. They are on all the time, which means the HVAC system needs to also be on almost constantly to counteract all the hot exhaust air. In the past, data centers needed to be kept at 75 degrees or cooler to keep them operating properly. Newer technology means they can run hotter for longer, but it is critical that the HVAC system that services the server room can react quickly enough if the temperature starts to get too high. We place digital monitoring throughout the room so the system has the ability to respond and kick in to maintain the optimal temperature if a zone starts to spike.

The Humidity Needs To Be Consistent

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air at a given temperature in relation to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at the same temperature. What this means to a data center is that a relative humidity level of 45% and 55% needs to be maintained for optimal equipment performance. If the air is too dry, it could create an electrostatic discharge that can overload and damage components. Too much moisture in the air will lead to condensation that can corrode and degrade metal parts. Our systems proactively monitor humidity, and we install equipment that automatically adjusts the levels depending on what the room needs at that moment. We tailor this equipment to regional weather, so you are prepared for anything.

The Air Must Be Clean

Temperature and humidity are important for data centers, but what is often overlooked is the quality of the air. Some data centers reside in office environments where the biggest threat is dirt and dead skin, but some are in industrial facilities where other contaminants like drywall dust, ferrous metals, fibers, pollen, and even flammable or toxic material can enter the room and wreak havoc on expensive and delicate server equipment. While a cleaning service is one way to periodically handle the air quality in a data center, a more cost-effective way is to design a system that cleans the air itself.

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air at a given temperature in relation to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at the same temperature. What this means to a data center is that a relative humidity level of 45% and 55% needs to be maintained for optimal equipment performance. If the air is too dry, it could create an electrostatic discharge that can overload and damage components.

Air Comfort Will Control the Environment

Your servers contain important information, house mission-critical programs, and protect your company’s vital information. Isn’t it also important to protect this equipment? Professional data center HVAC design from Air Comfort will make sure that the environment in these rooms is protected. Our proactive approach to using the latest techniques and technology will keep your air clean while maintaining the perfect temperature. Our team of experts will deliver planning and installation services to data centers in the Chicagoland area. We offer maintenance contracts and emergency services as well. As an industry leader, Air Comfort understands your needs and has solutions for your challenges. Reach out to us today to find out more about how we can help you!