How to Improve Energy Efficiency In Server Rooms
With the high number of computer equipment running at any given time, server rooms have big energy requirements, not to mention the massive amount of cooling needed to prevent any of them from overheating. Heating and cooling expert Schmitt discusses the ways you can improve server room energy efficiency.
Contained Airflow
In order to create efficient heat management systems, you first need to consider how hot air behaves. Unlike in a typical residential setting, allowing hot and cold air to mix in a server room will only raise the required output from the cooling system, resulting in higher energy consumption.
Back-to-back and front-to-front cabinet placement creates corridors that separate hot from cold air. Since heat tends to rise, positioning exhaust chimneys at the top gets rid of much of the unwanted hot air. Positioning air conditioning registers strategically and bolstering them with fans creates efficient airflow that doesn’t require as much output from the heating and cooling systems.
Proper HVAC System Sizing
You’ve probably heard from HVAC technicians about the importance of sizing air conditioners properly, in proportion to the building size. This is important because choosing a small air conditioning system means it won’t have enough headroom for increased cooling requirements. Rather, it will be redlining all the time.
Choosing a system that’s too large, on the other hand, will result in short cycling, where the air conditioner turns off and on too quickly, resulting in uneven cooling and increased energy consumption. Ask a trained and certified HVAC technician to help you choose the right HVAC system for your server room.
Regular Maintenance
The last thing you want to happen to your server room is air conditioner failure during a high data traffic day. Make it a point to stick to your scheduled HVAC maintenance appointments to ensure reliable performance and energy savings all year round.
Call Schmitt for All Your Cooling Needs
Schmitt Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading provider of heating and cooling systems. Give us a call at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form.
