Having too much heat in your computer room can lead to a number of problems. Overheating computers can cause system crashes, component failures, and data loss. Plus, excess heat can make your room uncomfortable to be in. So what are some effective ways to cool down your computer room?
Here are quick answers to key questions on cooling down a computer room:
What is the ideal temperature range for a computer room? Between 64-75°F is optimal. Keep temps under 80°F.
What are some simple ways to cool a computer room? Open windows, use fans strategically, close closet/doorway vents, adjust thermostat.
Should I install air conditioning? Yes, A/C is the most effective solution for controlling room temp long-term.
What low-cost DIY methods work? Reflective window film, roof exhaust fan, DIY AC, shade outside of windows.
How else can I optimize airflow and cooling? Manage cables, elevate equipment, dust regularly, relocate heat sources.
What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Computer Room?
When it comes to computer room temperature, cooler is better. Excessive heat causes more problems than cold temperatures. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the ideal temperature range for a server room or data center is between 64-75°F (18-24°C).
Temperatures above 80°F (27°C) start to introduce reliability issues for IT equipment. At 90°F (32°C), the failure rate doubles. Data centers and server rooms should never exceed 95°F (35°C). Prolonged exposure above that level drastically increases the chances of hardware failure.
Computers generate a lot of heat, especially servers, GPUs and other components under heavy loads. All that heat needs to be dissipated, usually by fans and/or liquid cooling systems. If a computer can’t shed heat adequately, temperatures will climb to dangerous levels.
Higher operating temperatures also reduce the lifespan of computer hardware. Excessive heat causes expansion and contraction of components, wearing them out faster. Thermal cycling stresses materials over time.
Furthermore, solid state drives (SSDs) and RAM chips may begin experiencing data errors above 125°F (52°C). Hard disk drives (HDDs) can start having read/write failures above 130°F (55°C). Prolonged exposure to high temperatures also accelerates lithium-ion battery degradation.
So in summary, the cooler you can keep your computer room, the better. Aim for an ambient air temperature in the 64-75°F (18-24°C) range for optimal reliability and hardware lifespan.
Minimum Temperature
While heat is the real concern, it’s still best to avoid letting your computer room get too cold. The main risk with very cold temperatures is condensation forming on hardware if warm, humid air enters the space. Condensation can lead to short circuits, corrosion and failures.
As a rule of thumb, you want to keep your computer room’s temperature above the dew point, which is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture. Dew points typically range 45-60°F (7-16°C) indoors.
ASHRAE’s recommended minimum temperature for data centers and computer rooms is 64°F (18°C). At colder temperatures, maintaining safe humidity levels becomes difficult. Therefore, 64°F (18°C) is a reasonable minimum target to prevent moisture condensation while still keeping things cool.
Simple Ways to Cool Down a Computer Room
Before installing expensive cooling solutions, try some simple, low-cost methods to bring down your computer room’s temperature.
Open Windows
If outdoor conditions permit, open windows in the computer room and adjacent spaces. This improves airflow and exhausts warm indoor air. Avoid opening south-facing windows during hot sunny periods though, as that will let more heat inside. North-facing windows are best.
However, take humidity into account. Don’t open windows if the outdoor dew point is close to the indoor temperature, or you may unintentionally increase moisture condensation risks. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer.
Use Fans Strategically
Place box or floor fans near equipment shelves and racks to improve airflow. Orient fans to blow hot exhaust air away from computers and towards room exits. This pushes that warm air out faster before it spreads.
Aligning fans perpendicular to openings, like windows and doors, creates the most efficient airflow. Avoid positioning fans so they simply blow air around in circles. Control airflow direction for maximum exhaust.
Also elevate equipment on risers or stands so more airflow can pass underneath and around all sides. Remove any space obstructions that block airflow as well.
Close Closet/Doorway Vents
Shut any overhead vents that connect to the computer room from adjacent spaces, like closets or hallways. This prevents transfer of warm air from other areas of the building. Keep the computer room isolated from ductwork that carries heat or humidity into it.
Adjust the Thermostat
If your computer room uses the building’s central HVAC system for climate control, turn down the thermostat. Set it 2-3°F cooler to compensate for all the heat-generating equipment present.
Let the main HVAC work less to condition that space. Then use supplemental fans and cooling methods to fine tune the temperature as needed.
Use a Portable AC Unit
Portable (“spot”) air conditioners provide focused cooling for individual rooms separate from central HVAC. These freestanding units are easy to install in existing spaces. Prices start around $250-350 for smaller units.
Position portable ACs near server racks and hot spots. Use ducting to directly exhaust hot air outdoors. This is an affordable way to add cooling capacity without ductwork modifications.
Dehumidify the Air
Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity in the computer room. Drier air naturally absorbs and dissipates heat better. Dehumidifiers also reduce dust mites, mold and condensation issues. Keep relative humidity around 45-50%.
Create Hot/Cool Aisles
Face server racks opposite each other with cool aisles between them. This confines hot exhaust air to the hot aisles only. Orient a rack’s front intake side toward cool aisles for better separation. Baffle panels also help segregate hot/cool airflows.
Should I Install Air Conditioning?
For permanent climate control in a dedicated computer room, an air conditioner is the most effective solution. A/C enables precise regulation of temperature and humidity year-round. This protects fragile hardware from dangerous overheating and moisture-related issues. Here are some benefits of installing air conditioning:
- Lowers room temperature to optimal 64-75°F range
- Removes moisture from air
- Purifies air with filtration
- Circulates air and prevents stagnant hot spots
- Less thermal cycling versus basic fans
- Controllable via thermostat and automation
- Reliable 24/7 operation
For small rooms, compact AC units like wall-mounted splits or mini-splits work well. These contain evaporator, condenser and compressor in a single chassis. Just mount high on a wall or ceiling and duct flex pipe outdoors.
Larger spaces need a commercial-grade AC system. This uses an external condenser coupled to evaporator blower units in the room. Hire an HVAC contractor to size and install the right central system for your facility.
Adequately cooling computer equipment is non-negotiable. Air conditioning provides the greatest temperature control and protection against overheating. The upfront cost is well worth it for valuable servers and electronics.
Low-Cost DIY Cooling Methods
Before investing in an expensive cooling system, try some simple DIY methods to chill your computer room. These may provide sufficient supplemental cooling depending on your environment and heat load.
Reflective Window Film
Apply reflective tint film to windows facing sunlight. This reduces solar heat gain while still allowing light through. Reflective window films can lower indoor temps 10-15°F versus untinted windows.
Roof Exhaust Fan
Mount a large exhaust fan near the roofline of your computer room. This pulls rising warm air up and out. Look for utility ventilation fans sized around 24” or larger. Run ductwork outdoors if possible.
DIY Air Conditioner
Build a simple evaporative cooler by mounting a medium-size cooler chest inside the room. Insert two hoses through the lid – one for intake from outside and one for exhaust. Fill with ice packs to add cooling capacity.
Window Air Conditioner Bracket
Construct a mounting bracket to install a standard window AC unit in a wall or rooftop opening. Cut plywood or 2x4s to size. Seal gaps around the AC unit after mounting. This approach works well for smaller server rooms.
Shade Sun-Exposed Areas
Install outdoor awning, film or screens on windows getting direct sun exposure. A covered porch or pergola also provides shade. This minimizes solar heat gain before it enters the computer room.
Optimizing Airflow and Cooling
Aside from temperature control methods, pay close attention to airflow patterns in your computer room. Optimizing airflow distribution improves convection cooling and allows supplemental cooling equipment to work more efficiently.
Manage Cables
Neatly bundle and tie cables together to reduce obstruction. Route wire runs along edges of rooms instead of across open spaces. Use cable trays or runners to keep everything organized.
Avoid just piling loose cables on top of racks. This blocks airflow through and above equipment. Tuck cables down the sides or route them under elevated racks.
Elevate Equipment
As mentioned earlier, raise server racks, shelves and other equipment on risers or stands. This allows better airflow around and underneath. Risers should be at least 4-6 inches tall.
For larger systems, consider inverted-V rack designs. This orients hot exhaust up and away from equipment below while allowing cooler air intake from below. Racks should have adequate cutouts for unimpeded airflow.
Dust Regularly
Frequently dust computer equipment, fans and air conditioner coils. Dust buildup on components acts as insulation, trapping heat. Canned air works well for dusting. Also clean floor, shelves and racks.
Consider installing air filters on server intakes. MERV-13 or better filtration improves dust removal. However, keep an eye on filter status and replace when necessary to avoid restricting airflow.
Relocate Heat Sources
Move heat-generating equipment like printers and copiers out of the computer room if possible. Even humans produce heat, so keep occupancy minimal. Every bit of heat dissipation savings counts.
Similarly, keep the door closed to avoid influx of warm air from adjacent spaces. Seal gaps under doorways. Minimize what’s inside the room to just the essential computer equipment.
Use Proper Equipment Spacing
Leave adequate spacing around server racks and other gear for unrestricted airflow. As a general rule, allow:
- 24-36 inches clearance front and back of racks
- 12-24 inches between racks in rows
- 12-18 inches clearance overhead
- 4-6 inches clearance on sides
Avoid cramming racks right next to walls. Give equipment some breathing room for air to circulate on all sides.
Conclusion
Controlling computer room temperature is crucial for protecting sensitive IT equipment. Excessive heat causes failures, crashes and hardware lifecycle reduction. Use these cooling tips and solutions to keep your systems operating in a safe 64-75°F zone:
- Open windows and use fans for basic airflow
- Install portable or central air conditioning
- DIY cooling with films, roof exhaust, etc.
- Manage cables, dust and spacing for optimal airflow
- Keep rooms isolated from warm, humid outside air
- Supplement with dehumidifiers to reduce moisture
Avoid costs from damaged gear and downtime by making computer room cooling a priority. Keep things cool and your hardware will thank you!
