Server rooms are essentially rooms that house computer servers and in the informational technology sector, the term generally applies to smaller arrangements of servers, while larger groups of servers are housed in data centers. Server rooms are at the heart of IT operations, and in order to prevent hardware malfunction and system failure, proper operation and setup is critical.
Unfortunately, in an enclosed space of a server room, the generated heat from equipment can quickly increase the ambient temperature beyond equipment specifications. The life and reliability of machines is compromised, and other catastrophic results can follow, including system crashes, random reboots, and overall poor performance. With that in mind, it's important to keep your server room's temperature within the recommended ranges associated with your hardware. Keep in mind that the heat dissipation from your servers will require adequate ventilation and cooling, so this is an important step in protecting your equipment and ensuring maximum productivity.
Environmental Conditions of Server Rooms
Computer equipment ages quick when hot, and for individual machines such as home or office desks, the internal fans and cooling mechanisms are often sufficient at keeping temperatures within safe operating limits. However, in data centers and server rooms, this may not be the case. Modern server equipment generates enormous amounts of heat, and today's machines run faster and hotter. Moreover, server rooms may even be prone to "hot spots" which can build up behind equipment racks or near larger machines, and if not addressed, this can cause premature failures.
Increased humidity levels can also affect your server room because high humidity levels can damage equipment by causing corrosion and rust. Thus, preventing humidity changes and variations is imperative in order to avoid environmental conditions where there may be excessive condensation, so the optimum humidity levels for a server room or data center should range from 40 to 55 percent. Lastly, another problem that can plague server rooms is insufficient airflow often due to the server room's design. As such, all of these environmental temperature problems and fluctuations usually call for the installation of separate cooling systems.
Why Buy a Server Room Portable Air Conditioner?
When it comes to computer server rooms, keeping temperatures and the overall environment controlled must occur twenty four hours a day due to constant heat generation. Relying on central air conditioning systems is not possible due to the fact that most systems are prior to shutoffs during weekends. Moreover, central air conditioners are complex appliances that have been known to suddenly fail. Window air conditioners are not an option either, as most server rooms are usually not near windows. Instead, they are often located in interior rooms which presents a cooling dilemma for many customers.
Thankfully, portable air conditioners are ideal for keeping server rooms at the right temperatures because they have the ability to cool office spaces and computer rooms that house heat-generating electronics. This prevents computer networks, communications, and office equipment from shutting down when temperatures rise. As self-contained units, one of the largest benefits of a portable AC is the fact that permanent installation is not necessary. In fact, almost all models include rolling casters that allow you to move the unit from one area to the next, making cooling server room hot spots especially easily.
Nonetheless, server rooms can not be cooled by just any type of portable AC. An ideal server room portable air conditioner must have the following features:
1. Automatic Restart Function
2. Ventilation System to Displace Hot Air
3. Condensation Tank
Automatic Restart Function
An automatic restart function is imperative in a server room portable air conditioner because it will help keep the unit running continuously, even in the case of power failure. In other words, you can still keep your equipment cool even at night or on the weekends when central cooling is not available, and in the event of a power outage, the air conditioner will resume operation once the power is restored without you having to reset the controls manually. We recommend models such as the Soleus LX-140.
Ventilation System to Displace Hot Air
Server rooms must have a means to expel heat from the server room. As mentioned above, many server rooms are located within the interior of a building, and furthermore, window air conditioners can not be used because of the security risk presented by an open window. The ideal type of portable air conditioner for a server room uses a vent hose to push air out through a drop ceiling or wall.
Condensation Tank
A server room's atmosphere requires low humidity levels because too much moisture will cause damage to machinery. However, because portable air conditioners act as dehumidifiers and whisk moisture away from the air, this condensate is collected into a condensation tank or bucket.
