- Air Conditioning, Commercial Cooling Solutions
RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
What is the best air conditioning unit for a server room?
Server rooms require air conditioning units that can maintain stable temperatures, handle constant heat loads, and operate reliably 24 hours a day. The most commonly used systems are wall mounted split units, ceiling cassette systems, ducted AC systems and for more complex data environments, computer room air conditioners (CRAC) or water cooled units. Each option supports different room sizes and technical setups, helping to prevent equipment overheating, maintain server performance and reduce the risk of downtime or data loss.
- Why does a server room need its own air conditioning system?
- Common types of AC units used in server rooms
- What is a CRAC unit and when is it used?
- What is water cooled air conditioning and is it suitable for server rooms?
- How to choose the right AC unit for your server room
- Do server room air conditioning units need maintenance?
- What is the ideal temperature for a server room in the UK?
- How to reduce energy use while cooling a server room
- Emergency cooling: What to do if the system fails
- Who installs and maintains server room AC units in the UK?
- FAQs
Why does a server room need its own air conditioning system?
Server rooms generate consistent and concentrated heat due to the operation of racks, routers, switches and related IT hardware. Without proper cooling, this can result in thermal stress, system crashes, permanent equipment damage and reduced hardware lifespan. A dedicated cooling solution ensures stable performance and protects business continuity. It also keeps energy consumption balanced by optimising cooling output for the specific room load.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to scale up your IT infrastructure in the near future, opt for an AC system with modular capability or inverter technology. This helps avoid the need for a full replacement later, saving both time and installation costs.
Common types of AC units used in server rooms
Wall mounted units
Wall mounted air conditioners are among the most cost effective and flexible options available. These are ideal for smaller server rooms or setups with limited ceiling space. Wall units allow direct airflow targeting specific equipment racks, and can be installed in multiples for larger areas. Brands such as Mitsubishi and Daikin manufacture commercial wall mounted systems with inverter technology, enabling temperature precision and energy efficiency.
Ceiling cassette systems
These systems are installed flush into suspended ceilings and provide uniform air distribution through multi-directional vents. They are discreet in design, only showing a panel while the rest of the system remains hidden. Ceiling cassette AC units suit medium sized server rooms where even airflow and low visual impact are important. Maintenance access and filter changes are usually straightforward with these models.
Ducted AC units
Ducted systems offer high capacity, concealed air conditioning with flexible vent positioning throughout the room. They are ideal for server rooms that need consistent and balanced airflow across racks. Installed above a suspended ceiling, only the air grilles are visible, helping keep the space organised. Central controls allow integration with building management systems, and options exist for zoning to control different areas separately.
Portable air conditioning as a temporary backup
While not a permanent solution, portable air conditioning units can provide emergency backup if the main system fails. These are especially useful during repairs or planned maintenance. Brands like Tripp Lite and FRAL offer high output portable cooling units that can be quickly deployed and positioned next to critical hardware. Portable air conditioning rental is common in the UK for short term cover.
What is a CRAC unit and when is it used?
A CRAC unit, or Computer Room Air Conditioner, is a high precision cooling system used in larger server rooms or data centres. These units maintain strict temperature and humidity levels and often integrate with raised floor systems to push cooled air up into server racks. CRAC units operate continuously and are designed to support dense rack environments with redundant systems for uninterrupted cooling. For extremely sensitive setups, these systems are often combined with room monitoring and automatic control features.
Pro Tip: Before selecting a portable air conditioning unit as a temporary solution, check its cooling output in kW or BTU against your server room’s heat load. Undersized units may not provide effective relief, especially during high ambient temperatures.
What is water cooled air conditioning and is it suitable for server rooms?
Water cooled systems are used when external condensers are not possible, such as in listed buildings or locations where planning permission is restricted. These internal systems use mains water to remove heat, eliminating the need for outdoor units. Water cooled air conditioning is more expensive to install and maintain, but it is often the only option in space restricted or conservation areas. It is essential to consult a qualified air conditioning installer to determine feasibility and compliance with local building codes.
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How to choose the right AC unit for your server room
Several factors should be considered when selecting air conditioning for a server room:
Size of the room
Small rooms may only require one or two wall units. Larger spaces might need ducted or cassette systems, and data centres typically need CRAC or downflow systems. Room dimensions, layout and ceiling height all influence the cooling load.
Heat load
Heat output from servers, switches, and other electronics can be calculated using kW ratings. More devices or densely packed racks increase the cooling demand.
Future expansion
If you plan to add more servers or IT equipment later, installing a system that can be expanded or upgraded without full replacement is sensible. This can include modular systems or higher capacity units with variable speed compressors.
Physical constraints and building layout
Ceiling space, access for installation and outdoor unit placement must be assessed. Water cooled or portable options may be necessary for listed or inner city buildings. For help choosing the right AC, a free site survey from a commercial air conditioning specialist is often the best starting point.
Do server room air conditioning units need maintenance?
Yes, regular maintenance is essential. Air filters should be cleaned or replaced, refrigerant levels checked and all components inspected for wear. Regular servicing helps avoid breakdowns, keeps the system running efficiently and prolongs the lifespan of your investment. It is common for UK businesses to schedule biannual or quarterly servicing for their server room systems.
What is the ideal temperature for a server room in the UK?
The recommended temperature range for server rooms is between 20 to 24 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 27 degrees can cause servers to throttle or shut down, while temperatures below 18 degrees can lead to condensation and moisture issues. Humidity control is also important, ideally maintained between 40 and 60 percent.
How to reduce energy use while cooling a server room
Using inverter driven systems, energy monitoring controls and zoning can help optimise cooling without excessive electricity use. Sealing gaps in server racks, using blanking panels and improving airflow pathways all support better thermal management. Night set-back settings or free cooling methods can also reduce operational costs.
Emergency cooling: What to do if the system fails
If your main AC unit fails, deploy a portable unit as a short term solution. Contact a local emergency air conditioning service to inspect and repair the system. Many UK providers offer rapid call outs for server room emergencies to avoid prolonged overheating. Services like emergency HVAC repair or emergency air conditioning repair are often available with next day or same day response.
Who installs and maintains server room AC units in the UK?
Commercial air conditioning companies such as RightAir Solutions offer supply, installation and maintenance services throughout the UK. Choosing a certified installer ensures systems meet F-Gas regulations and building codes. Many of these companies offer free consultations, finance options and long warranty periods.
For more information about commercial AC systems or to book a free site survey, visit our commercial air conditioning services page.
FAQs About Server Room Air Con Units
What is the best type of air conditioning unit for a server room? Wall mounted and ceiling cassette units are common for smaller rooms, while CRAC and ducted systems suit larger setups.
Do I need planning permission for a server room air conditioner? Planning permission is not usually required unless the building is listed or located in a conservation area. Water cooled systems are a good option in such cases.
Can I use a portable AC unit permanently in a server room? Portable units are not recommended for long term use. They lack the precision and capacity of fixed systems.
How often should server room air conditioners be serviced? Most systems benefit from service every six months, though high intensity setups may require quarterly checks.
What size air conditioner do I need for my server room? This depends on the room size, heat load and server density. A site survey is the best way to determine the right capacity.
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