Cooling for Server Rooms: Why Standard Air Conditioning Isn’t Enough

Data Demands More Than Domestic Cooling

In today’s business landscape, server rooms are no longer exclusive to tech companies. Almost every organisation—from accountancy firms and legal practices to schools and medical centres—relies on server equipment. These rooms often house critical infrastructure, and the consequences of overheating range from slow network speeds to permanent data loss.

Yet too many businesses in Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and London make the mistake of installing standard domestic air conditioning units in rooms that require far more robust solutions.

At ClimateWorks, we design and install commercial-grade cooling systems specifically for IT environments. We understand the need for 24/7 performance, redundancy, and airflow precision—and we make sure your business is protected against rising heat loads and future expansion.

Why Server Rooms Need Specialist Cooling Systems

Standard split air conditioning systems are designed for human comfort—not equipment performance. They manage temperatures between 20–24°C and operate with stop-start cycles that aren’t suitable for mission-critical environments.

Server room cooling requires:

• Constant operation (24/7/365)
• Precision temperature control (often 18–22°C)
• Low humidity variance
• Airflow designed to match equipment intake and exhaust patterns
• Redundancy in case of unit failure

Without these features, your cooling system becomes the weakest link in your business continuity plan.

What Happens When Cooling Fails?

If server room cooling is inadequate or fails completely, problems escalate fast:

• Overheating causes equipment throttling and shutdown
• Reboots take time and disrupt operations
• Long-term exposure to heat shortens equipment lifespan
• Fire risks increase from overloaded hardware
• Insurance claims may be void if equipment was not protected properly

Servers can fail after just minutes of high-heat exposure. Without specialist systems, you're relying on luck—not engineering.

Real-World Example: IT Consultancy in Bracknell

A growing IT firm in Bracknell contacted ClimateWorks after experiencing weekly server performance drops.

Site details:

• Server room housed 6 rack-mounted servers and 3 UPS units
• Domestic wall-mounted split system installed four years prior
• No backup cooling or alert system

Our findings:

• Cooling cycles turned off at night to save energy
• Room hit 30°C during one weekend, triggering two UPS failures
• The AC system could not cope with 24/7 operation

Our solution:

• Installed dual-ducted precision cooling units with 24/7 redundancy
• Linked cooling to a temperature monitoring system with SMS alerts
• Created hot aisle/cold aisle layout to optimise airflow
• Maintenance contract added for bi-annual servicing

Outcome:
Performance issues ceased immediately, and the business avoided a costly equipment refresh. Staff productivity also improved, as IT downtime was eliminated.

Types of Server Room Cooling Solutions We Install

At ClimateWorks, we tailor cooling systems based on server load, room size, and building layout.

Our most popular solutions include:

• Wall-Mounted Split Systems (upgraded)
  Enhanced models designed for constant cooling cycles and longer run times.
• Close-Control (Precision) Cooling Units
  High-performance systems used in data centres and larger comms rooms.
• Ducted Ceiling-Mounted Systems
  For high-density rooms requiring clean, uncluttered floor space.
• Dual Redundancy Systems (N+1 setups)
  Ensures backup cooling kicks in if the main unit fails.

We also integrate smart controllers, BMS systems, and remote monitoring, ensuring real-time performance tracking.

Bullet Point Summary – Server Room Cooling Essentials

• Domestic air conditioning is not designed for 24/7 use
• Ideal server room temperature: 18–22°C
• Humidity should be kept between 45%–55%
• Airflow must be directed based on rack layout
• Redundancy is critical (N+1 or dual cooling units)
• Systems should be monitored remotely and maintained professionally

What Regulations and Standards Apply?

There are no legal mandates for server room cooling specifications in the UK, but several guidance documents apply:

• BS EN 50600-2-3: Design standard for power and cooling in IT environments
• ASHRAE TC9.9: Internationally recognised guidelines for server thermal environments
• UK Cyber Essentials & ISO 27001: Cooling is a factor in data centre risk management
• F-Gas Regulations: Your cooling system must comply with refrigerant handling and leak monitoring rules

At ClimateWorks, we align all installations to these best-practice frameworks.

Why ClimateWorks Is the Right Partner

We’re not general air conditioning contractors—we’re commercial installation specialists who understand:

• IT cooling requirements and airflow dynamics
• The cost of downtime for businesses
• Integration with access control and BMS systems
• Refits in tight server rooms with minimal disruption

We install systems across Basingstoke, Guildford, Reading, Farnham, and beyond—supporting financial firms, law offices, schools, and data-driven startups.

Act Before the Heat Takes Over

If your current system can’t maintain stable temperatures or doesn’t run 24/7, it’s time to reassess your setup.

👉 Book a server room site visit with ClimateWorks and get a full performance report with recommendations.

Visit https://www.climateworks.co.uk to explore more.

References

[1] ASHRAE. (2021). Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments. Retrieved from https://www.ashrae.org
[2] UK Government. (2023). F-Gas Regulation and Compliance. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fluorinated-gas-regulation-and-rules
[3] British Standards Institution. (2022). BS EN 50600-2-3 Data Centre Facilities and Infrastructure. Retrieved from https://www.bsigroup.com

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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