Data centers are at the center of the digital world. They power everything from financial transactions to cloud storage and social media. However, as the demand for data processing and storage soars, so does the need for more efficient HVAC systems across these facilities. In a comprehensive learning resource for data center decision-makers, Brookaire explores the benefits of the strategic use of air filters and a well-planned approach to HVAC maintenance.
Before we get into our advice in detail, let’s take a look at some of the key messages we’re seeing from the government that are currently driving the demand for more efficient data centers.
Data Center Efficiency: Looking to the Future
In 2022, the White House Office of Technology and Science Policy’s (OTSP’s) Climate and Energy Implications of Crypto-Assets recommended several initiatives to create more environmentally friendly data centers. As a result, these facilities will need high-performance HVAC products and services to keep up with changing regulations.
It is important to note that the benefits of creating more efficient data centers go far beyond their reduced environmental impact. There are over 5,000 of these facilities across the United States, currently consuming electricity that could power over 6.4 million homes across the country. These recommendations from the White House may only represent the beginning of regulatory changes you should anticipate now and into the future.
As a data center professional, you must adapt, upgrade and constantly update your air filtration and HVAC knowledge in order to remain functioning and compliant. Below, we’ve listed some practical steps that can be taken to achieve these objectives.
Best Practices for HVAC Efficiency in Data Centers
While the right air filters can significantly enhance the efficiency and reliability of a data center, it’s essential to pair these products with a robust maintenance strategy. Regular HVAC maintenance not only ensures that systems are operating at peak performance but also helps to prevent costly downtime and extend the life of the equipment. Let’s take a look at some of these steps in more detail.
Create a Preventative Maintenance Schedule
While your choice of air filters, v belts and other HVAC products will be essential in terms of ensuring efficiency in your data center, this must be paired with a thoughtful, well organized and preventative approach to system maintenance. By scheduling regular inspections and creating a strict maintenance rota, your facility can stay one step ahead by identifying any HVAC-related issues before they lead to system failure.
Your preventative maintenance schedule should include checkboxes for actions like checking air filters for signs of clogging or wear, inspecting ductwork for leaks or obstructions, and ensuring that all components are functioning correctly. This approach will significantly reduce the likelihood of unplanned downtime, lower potential repair costs and should extend the lifespan of your overall HVAC system in the long-run.
Monitor Air Quality & Data Center Performance
As a key decision maker in your data facility, you will be only too aware of the relationship between indoor air quality and system performance. This makes constant monitoring incredibly important. You can conduct thorough checks by using sensors and monitoring equipment that monitors key metrics such as temperature, humidity, air flow and levels of particulate matter. You can use this data to make more informed decisions around when you should replace your filters, adjust system settings or organize additional maintenance tasks.
Of course, your choice of air filter will play a crucial role in keeping all of these metrics to a safe and satisfactory level. Fortunately, Brookaire’s range of filters have been engineered to support optimal airflow and filtration efficiency, making them an ideal and integral element to your air quality management strategy.
Train and Equip Your Data Center Staff
Your HVAC system will only form one of the many complex elements that make up your data center. As with any element of your facility, staff should be comprehensively trained on all elements of the system. Ensure that there are always members of staff present who are fully aware of how to check and replace key components such as air filters and v belts.
Brookaire’s range of air filters have been specifically designed for this purpose, with easy installation a key feature behind each and every one of our products. Our air quality experts can even supply you with a step-by-step guide to installing your filter - information that you can easily add to any employee training program.
Ensure a Reliable, Reactive HVAC Supply
Ensuring a regular supply schedule is equally important as ensuring a preventative maintenance schedule. To increase the efficiency at the heart of your data center, create a process where inventory levels are regularly checked and resupplied. This is where the importance of having a secure and reliable supply chain comes in.
Time and time again, we’ve worked with data centers who have reached points of crisis due to disruptions to their air filter supply, whether that’s down to long lead times, delayed deliveries or mistakes with their order. The consequences here are significant. That’s why we’ve designed our processes to ensure next-day delivery on standard filters and 48 hour turnaround on custom filters.